Showing results for "damping"

• present participle of damp.

damping

American  

[dam-ping] / ˈdæm pɪŋ /

noun

Physics.

1. a decreasing of the amplitude of an electrical or mechanical wave.

2. an energy-absorbing mechanism or resistance circuit causing this decrease.

3. a reduction in the amplitude of an oscillation or vibration as a result of energy being dissipated as heat.

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damping British  

/ ˈdæmpɪŋ /

noun

1. moistening or wetting

2. stifling, as of spirits

3. electronics the introduction of resistance into a resonant circuit with the result that the sharpness of response at the peak of a frequency is reduced

4. engineering any method of dispersing energy in a vibrating system

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damping Scientific  

/ dăm′pĭng /

1. The action of a substance or of an element in a mechanical or electrical device that gradually reduces the degree of oscillation, vibration, or signal intensity, or prevents it from increasing. For example, sound-proofing technology dampens the oscillations of sound waves. Built-in damping is a crucial design element in technology that involves the creation of oscillations and vibrations.

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Etymology

Origin of damping

First recorded in 1750-60; damp ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

However, energy prices rising more sharply than assumed could prompt a further rise in prices while also damping economic activity, the Bundesbank said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

This could lead to technologies such as frictional metamaterials, adaptive damping systems, and contactless control components.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

These vibrations produce distinct tones defined by two measurements, Mitman explained: an oscillation frequency and a damping time.

From Science Daily • Feb. 1, 2026

These modes have limited authority over actual acceleration, suspension damping, cornering limits and steering feedback.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

A warm soft drizzle was falling over the parched meadows and dry woodland, bringing relief after the hot dry day, damping down the dust from the road.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques