Oscillate

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈɑsɪleɪt/

Origin

From Latin oscillatus perfect passive participle of Latin oscillō ("swing"), from oscillum ("a swing"), usually identified with oscillum ("a little face or mask hung to a tree and swaying with the wind"), diminutive of os ("mouth, face").

Full definition of oscillate

Verb

1. (intransitive) To swing back and forth, especially if with a regular rhythm.A pendulum oscillates slower as it gets longer.
2. (intransitive) To vacillate between conflicting opinions, etc.The mood for change oscillated from day to day.
3. (intransitive) To vary above and below a mean value.

Derived terms

• oscillation
• oscillator

Similar terms

• undulate