vibration

[vahy-brey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of vibrating, or an instance of vibratory motion; oscillation; quiver; tremor.

2. the state of being vibrated.

3. Physics.

   1. the oscillating, reciprocating, or other periodic motion of a rigid or elastic body or medium forced from a position or state of equilibrium.

   2. the analogous motion of the particles of a mass of air or the like, whose state of equilibrium has been disturbed, as in transmitting sound.

4. a supernatural emanation, bearing good or ill, that is sensed by or revealed to those attuned to the occult.

5. Informal.,  Often vibrations vibe.

vibration

/ vaɪˈbreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of vibrating

2. physics

   1. a periodic motion about an equilibrium position, such as the regular displacement of air in the propagation of sound

   2. a single cycle of such a motion

3. the process or state of vibrating or being vibrated

vibration

1. A rapid oscillation of a particle, particles, or elastic solid or surface, back and forth across a central position.

Other Word Forms

• vibrationless adjective
• vibrational adjective
• nonvibration noun
• revibration noun
• unvibrational adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vibration¹

First recorded in 1645–55, and in 1965–70 vibration for def. 5; from Latin vibrātiōn- (stem of vibrātiō ); vibrate, -ion

Example Sentences

Once the Nunalik started moving, it sailed at a speed of two knots, a leisurely walking pace, nudging ice aside with a deep crunch that sent vibrations through the entire vessel.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Army has paused the use of its Ajax armoured vehicles after soldiers became unwell from noise and vibration during a military exercise.

Read more on BBC

XL-Calibur is designed to measure the polarization of light, a property that describes the orientation of electromagnetic vibrations.

Read more on Science Daily

AI-enabled robots might one day be programmed to work on cars, but Hannah says mechanics develop a feel for the vibrations and sounds associated with certain problems—something a robot couldn’t do.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Instead of relying on solar heating, the team uses ultrasonic vibrations that shake the moisture loose.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• fluctuation 
• oscillation 
• pulse 
• reverberation 
• tremor