ENGLISH
REFERENCE

vibrator

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈvaɪbɹeɪtɝ// UK //vaɪbɹˈeɪtɐ// vi·bra·tor Archaic

n. a small machine that shakes very quickly. It is often used for massage or for sexual pleasure.

n. a device that produces mechanical oscillations or rapid shaking movements. While used in industrial and medical contexts for massage or mixing, it most commonly refers to a battery-operated device used for sexual stimulation.


SIMPLE

The handheld vibrator helps relax my sore neck muscles.

CONTEXTUAL

She bought a small battery-powered vibrator to help relieve the tension in her shoulders after a long day at the office.

COMPLEX

In industrial chemistry, a high-frequency vibrator is often employed to ensure that powders do not clump together while being fed into the processing machinery.

Origin

From New Latin vibrātor, from Latin vibrō (“to vibrate”). By surface analysis, vibrate + -or.

Usage

In modern contexts, the word is most frequently associated with adult products; use 'massager' or 'oscillator' in professional or technical settings to avoid ambiguity.

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