vibration

American  

[vahy-brey-shuhn] / vaɪˈbreɪ ʃən /

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 British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ vī-brā′shən /

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

---

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of vibration

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

Explanation

A vibration is a shaking motion. If you feel a strong vibration in your car every time you step on the brakes, it might be a good idea to take it to a mechanic. You might feel a vibration in your floor when your neighbor is playing his music too loudly, and you'll know a thunderstorm is approaching when you feel the vibration of your trembling dog at your side. The rapid back and forth movement or quivering of an electric toothbrush or a mild earthquake is a vibration. The Latin vibratus, "move quickly to and fro" is the root word.

Example Sentences

Many of Google’s Pixel phones include a similar Now Playing feature you can enable in the Sound & Vibration settings.

From New York Times • Aug. 3, 2022

Take a stroll on the wooden boardwalk, stopping in at Secret Garden for a massage or reiki treatment, or align your body and spirit with Brice Dial at Positive Vibration Yoga.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2021

In your Contacts menu, select More and then Vibration Pattern.

From Fox News • Sep. 13, 2021

Vibration, G forces, the thrust, the speed at which you’ll be going.

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2021

Sensations of Tingling or Vibration Descriptions of sensations of this class are much more coherent than those just considered.

From The Psychology of Singing A Rational Method of Voice Culture Based on a Scientific Analysis of All Systems, Ancient and Modern by Taylor, David C. (David Clark)

Related Words

• fluctuation
• oscillation
• pulse
• reverberation
• tremor