oscillator

[ os-uh-ley-ter ]

noun

1. Electronics. a circuit that produces an alternating output current of a certain frequency determined by the characteristics of the circuit components.
2. a device or machine producing oscillations.
3. a person or thing that oscillates.

oscillator

/ ˈɒsɪˌleɪtə /

noun

1. a circuit or instrument for producing an alternating current or voltage of a required frequency
2. any instrument for producing oscillations
3. a person or thing that oscillates

Word History and Origins

Origin of oscillator¹

1825–35; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin oscillā ( re ) to swing ( oscillate ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

The nonuniform state was surprising, because the equations assumed all oscillators were perfectly identical and similarly connected to others.

From Popular-Science

It’s also possible to replace this fixed network with physical systems, including things like memristors or oscillators, as long as they have certain properties, such as a non-linear response to inputs and some form of memory of previous inputs.

From Singularity Hub 

With such a vast array of effects pedals available on the market—from the most basic tools like tuners and overdrive, to the most intricate harmonizers, filters, and oscillators—a pedalboard can truly be as simple or as complex as you want it to be.

From Popular-Science

Still, there has been progress in increasing the size of the objects we can place in a quantum state, with small oscillators and even grains of sand being notable examples.

From Ars Technica

Nobody remembers their first frequency-counter, their first audio oscillator, their first this or that.

From The Daily Beast

The former, which is termed nowadays a "Hertz Oscillator," is simply two metal discs almost connected by a thick wire.

From Project Gutenberg

This is a counting register operated by a crystal controlled oscillator.

From Project Gutenberg

"Right here," sang out Craig, detaching the oscillator and replacing the electric bulb, which he lighted.

From Project Gutenberg

A later device, called the Fessenden oscillator, will transmit or receive sounds a distance of twenty miles.

From Project Gutenberg

It happened to a chap named Blenkinson, who took an Oscillator that hadn't any brake on it.

From Project Gutenberg