oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈä-sə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce oscillator (audio)
1
: one that oscillates
2
: a device for producing alternating current
especially : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

Examples of oscillator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The stochastic oscillator is pointing lower with room to oversold territory, and a new MACD ‘sell’ signal increases the possibility of a test of support as geopolitical tensions foster more selling pressure. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 Daphne is frustrated with her lack of progress in her latest music endeavors, working on an elaborate set-up of tape decks and sound wave oscillators. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 The transmitting coil was connected to the oscillator, which generated current at an acoustic frequency, writes Mike Croll in his book The History of Landmines. IEEE Spectrum, 8 Jan. 2025 The monthly stochastic oscillator is not yet overbought, and the monthly MACD looks headed for positive territory. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oscillator 

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oscillator was in 1798

Dictionary Entries Near oscillator

Cite this Entry

“Oscillator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oscillator. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

oscillator

noun
os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce oscillator (audio)
1
: one that oscillates
2
: a device for producing alternating current
especially : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

Medical Definition

oscillator

noun
os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce oscillator (audio)
: a device or mechanism for producing or controlling oscillations
especially : one (as a radio-frequency generator) for producing an alternating current

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