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.

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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

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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.

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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 ); vibrate, -ion

Example Sentences

Three separate investigations are currently being conducted after around 30 soldiers became ill from noise and vibration during a training exercise in November.

From BBC

For stop/start cycling to be transparent, as it is in the CX-90, the system needs two things: high voltage and low vibration.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lee pointed to small studies suggesting vibration might improve microcirculation and skin temperature temporarily.

From Los Angeles Times

Last month, the Army paused its use of the vehicles after 30 soldiers became ill from noise and vibration during a military exercise.

From BBC

In space, spin sensors encounter three dominant sources of interference: variations in the geomagnetic field, mechanical vibrations of the spacecraft, and cosmic radiation.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• fluctuation
• oscillation
• pulse
• reverberation
• tremor