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

Tesla owners can activate the new feature by selecting “Comfort” under the Adaptive Suspension Damping setting.

From The Verge • Jul. 4, 2022

Damping will probably be necessary only with amplified sound.

From New York Times • Mar. 7, 2011

Damping the hopes of horrified citizens, evidence appeared last week that Harlan operators and their henchmen were not to be regenerated by any such shadowboxing as a Supreme Court decision and a Senate investigation.

From Time Magazine Archive

Damping off.—Young plants in seed-beds often perish suddenly from a rot of the stem at the surface of the ground.

From Tomato Culture: A Practical Treatise on the Tomato by Tracy, W. W. (William Warner)

Damping off is caused by various fungi in the seed bed which attack the stem near the surface of the soil and cause the plant to drop over and die.

From The Tomato by Work, Paul