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

See Examples For:

damping

There’s a chance, experts noted, that this year’s El Niño could bring more fall rain, damping the Santa Ana winds’s ability to fuel fast-moving fires.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

Despite an active El Niño, experts say the Southwestern United States likely won’t feel its damping effect until next year.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

I note that, in the interests of refinement, the base 2.5-liter inline-four is equipped with semiactive engine mounts with electronic damping control.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026

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

From Science Daily ● Mar. 22, 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