oscillator

[ os-uh-ley-ter ]

noun

1. Electronics. a circuit that produces an alternating output current of a certain frequency determined by the characteristics of the circuit components.
2. a device or machine producing oscillations.
3. a person or thing that oscillates.

oscillator

/ ˈɒsɪˌleɪtə /

noun

1. a circuit or instrument for producing an alternating current or voltage of a required frequency
2. any instrument for producing oscillations
3. a person or thing that oscillates

Word History and Origins

Origin of oscillator¹

1825–35; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin oscillā ( re ) to swing ( oscillate ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

The system created by the Chalmers researchers is based on so called continuous-variable quantum computing and uses harmonic oscillators, a type of microscopic component, to encode information linearly.

From Science Daily

Traditionally, patterns were generated by externally attaching oscillators to robots, enabling locomotion and repetitive motions.

From Science Daily

Another crucial component was a 4mm drum-like device called a mechanical oscillator, which interacts with light inside the cavity.

From Science Daily

But the optical parametric oscillator can also be tuned to other regions of the mid-infrared so that the combs can detect other molecules that absorb light in those regions.

From Science Daily

“We require that all oscillators operate at known frequencies, and with certified frequency stability.”

From Scientific American