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.
Its internal state behaves like a qubit, while its motion acts as a quantum harmonic oscillator that can occupy many different motional states.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 15, 2026
As it gradually weakened, the time crystal interacted with a nearby mechanical oscillator.
From Science Daily ● May 5, 2026
We use multiple indicators but rely most on the stochastic oscillator for timely indications of important highs and lows.
From Barron's ● Apr. 10, 2026
Meanwhile, the NYSE-based breadth oscillator has remained on a sell signal.
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
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