oscillator Definition
- 1an electronic circuit or device that produces an alternating current or voltage at a particular frequency
- 2a physical system that has repeating cycles
Using oscillator: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "oscillator" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The oscillator generates a signal with a frequency of 1 MHz.
Example
The quartz crystal oscillator is widely used in electronic devices.
Example
The pendulum is a simple mechanical oscillator.
oscillator Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for oscillator
- generator
- alternator
- inverter
- vibrator
Phrases with oscillator
an electronic circuit that generates a periodic, oscillating electronic signal
Example
The electronic oscillator is the heart of many electronic devices.
a physical system that has repeating cycles of motion
Example
The swing is a simple mechanical oscillator.
a type of oscillator that exhibits simple harmonic motion
Example
The spring-mass system is a simple harmonic oscillator.
Origins of oscillator
from Latin 'oscillare', meaning 'to swing'
Summary: oscillator in Brief
An 'oscillator' [ˈɒsɪleɪtə] is an electronic circuit or device that produces an alternating current or voltage at a particular frequency. It can also refer to a physical system that has repeating cycles, such as a pendulum. Examples include the quartz crystal oscillator and the spring-mass system. 'Oscillator' is often used in phrases like 'electronic oscillator' and 'mechanical oscillator.'