oscillator
Americannoun
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Electronics. a circuit that produces an alternating output current of a certain frequency determined by the characteristics of the circuit components.
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a device or machine producing oscillations.
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a person or thing that oscillates.
noun
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a circuit or instrument for producing an alternating current or voltage of a required frequency
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any instrument for producing oscillations
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a person or thing that oscillates
Etymology
Origin of oscillator
1825–35; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin oscillā ( re ) to swing ( see oscillate) + -tor -tor
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Mamyshev oscillator, however, is far less susceptible to these problems, making it particularly well suited for integrated photonic devices.
From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2026
As it gradually weakened, the time crystal interacted with a nearby mechanical oscillator.
From Science Daily • May 5, 2026
Combining the stochastic oscillator with support and resistance improves results.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
The “stocks only” breadth oscillator generated a buy signal with the positive trading late in 2025 but would relinquish that status if breadth is negative again today.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 8, 2026
The challenge then becomes timing the electrical impulses so they energize the gap at the very moment the particles cross, which means generating them from an oscillator working at a fixed frequency.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
