librate

[ˈlaɪbreɪt]

librate Definition

• 1. to oscillate or vibrate, especially as a result of an imbalance or lack of equilibrium
• 2. to move in a back-and-forth motion around a central point

Using librate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "librate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The pendulum continued to librate for several minutes after being set in motion.

• Example

  The satellite librated around the moon's surface.

• Example

  The unbalanced load caused the truck to librate on the bumpy road.

librate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for librate

• oscillate
• vibrate
• sway
• rock
• swing

Antonyms for librate

• steady
• balance

Phrases with librate

• librate about

  to oscillate or vibrate around a central point or axis

  Example

  The planet librates about its axis as it orbits the sun.

• librate in longitude

  to oscillate or vibrate in an east-west direction

  Example

  The moon librates in longitude due to its elliptical orbit around the Earth.

• librate in latitude

  to oscillate or vibrate in a north-south direction

  Example

  The moon does not librate in latitude because its axis is perpendicular to the plane of its orbit.

Origins of librate

from Latin 'libratus', meaning 'balanced'

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Summary: librate in Brief

'Librate' [ˈlaɪbreɪt] means to oscillate or vibrate, especially due to an imbalance or lack of equilibrium. It can also refer to moving in a back-and-forth motion around a central point. Examples include a pendulum that continues to librate after being set in motion and a satellite that librates around the moon's surface. 'Librate' extends into phrases like 'librate about,' 'librate in longitude,' and 'librate in latitude,' which describe different types of oscillation.