Word
oscillation
Phoneticsos·cil·la·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɑsəˈɫeɪʃən/
UK/ˌɒsɪlˈeɪʃən/
Definition
n. the movement of something back and forth between two points or states. It is like a pendulum swinging or a sound wave moving through the air.
n. the repetitive variation, typically in time, of some measure about a central value or between two or more different states.
Examples
“The pendulum shows a steady oscillation.”
“The scientist observed the rapid oscillation of the light beam as it passed through the glass prism.”
“The system's stability is compromised by the rapid oscillation of its internal variables, which eventually leads to a complete failure of the mechanical components.”
Examples
simple
“The pendulum shows a steady oscillation.”
contextual
“The scientist observed the rapid oscillation of the light beam as it passed through the glass prism.”
complex
“The system's stability is compromised by the rapid oscillation of its internal variables, which eventually leads to a complete failure of the mechanical components.”
Real-World Examples
“Further tests revealed that, in response to EMF exposure, Cyb5b produces rhythmic calcium influx oscillations in cells, functioning as a specific code for activating the target gene.” “Its optical properties (e.g., reflectivity, resonance frequency) can be altered dynamically on picosecond timescales, close to the timescale of light's own oscillations.” Etymology
From French oscillation, from Latin oscillatio, from Latin oscillo. By surface analysis, oscillate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/oscillation