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 ); see vibrate, -ion

Explanation

A vibration is a shaking motion. If you feel a strong vibration in your car every time you step on the brakes, it might be a good idea to take it to a mechanic. You might feel a vibration in your floor when your neighbor is playing his music too loudly, and you'll know a thunderstorm is approaching when you feel the vibration of your trembling dog at your side. The rapid back and forth movement or quivering of an electric toothbrush or a mild earthquake is a vibration. The Latin vibratus, "move quickly to and fro" is the root word.

Example Sentences

Many of Google’s Pixel phones include a similar Now Playing feature you can enable in the Sound & Vibration settings.

From New York Times • Aug. 3, 2022

Take a stroll on the wooden boardwalk, stopping in at Secret Garden for a massage or reiki treatment, or align your body and spirit with Brice Dial at Positive Vibration Yoga.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2021

In your Contacts menu, select More and then Vibration Pattern.

From Fox News • Sep. 13, 2021

Vibration, G forces, the thrust, the speed at which you’ll be going.

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2021

Vibration of columns of air, 288, 289; of rods, 287; of strings, 278; of strings, conditions regulating, 278.

From How it Works Dealing in simple language with steam, electricity, light, heat, sound, hydraulics, optics, etc., and with their applications to apparatus in common use by Williams, Archibald

Related Words

• fluctuation
• oscillation
• pulse
• reverberation
• tremor