Oscillate
Verb
- Move or swing back and forth at a regular speed.
- (With adverbial) Waver between extremes of opinion, action, or quality.
- (Physics) Vary in magnitude or position in a regular manner around a central point.
- (Of a circuit or device) Cause the electric current or voltage running through it to vary in magnitude or position in a regular manner around a central point.
Example Sentences
“I could oscillate on the porch swing all day long.”
“The light made the electrons in each atom oscillate back and forth.”
“The coin seemed to oscillate on the edge before it fell off.”
Word Origin
Latin, early 18th century
Why this word?
The verb “oscillate” refers to a swinging movement, but there are also specific definitions in the applications of physics and circuitry. The most common modern usage of the word, however, might be in the oscillating fan. The appliance can be traced back to German American inventor Philip Diehl, who invented the electric ceiling fan when he worked for the Singer Company. He took a motor from a sewing machine and mounted it to the ceiling with blades. After several iterations, the oscillating fan was born.
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