oscillation

• Nom désignant le mouvement de va-et-vient entre deux états ou positions extrêmes, ou la variation périodique et régulière d'une grandeur autour d'une valeur moyenne ; peut aussi désigner un cycle complet de ce phénomène.

A noun referring to the process of moving back and forth between states, a regular periodic variation in value about a mean, or a single complete cycle of a periodically repeated phenomenon.

1. Regular back-and-forth movementB2formalscientific

   The act of moving or swinging back and forth in a regular rhythm.

   oscillation

   • The pendulum's oscillation was steady and predictable.
   • The oscillation of the bridge was measured by engineers.
   • The oscillation of the spring decreased over time due to friction.

   Synonymesrockingswingto and frovibration

2. Periodic variation in physicsC1formalscientific

   A regular periodic variation in value about a mean, such as in a wave or alternating current.

   oscillation (physique)

   • The oscillation of the electrical signal was displayed on the oscilloscope.
   • Sound waves are created by the oscillation of air particles.
   • The frequency of oscillation determines the pitch of the sound.

   Synonymesfluctuationpulsationundulationvibration

3. Fluctuation between statesC1formal

   The process of fluctuating or alternating between different states, opinions, or conditions.

   Oscillation entre états

   • The oscillation between hope and despair was emotionally draining.
   • Political oscillation between two parties is common in democracies.
   • The market showed oscillation between bullish and bearish trends.

   Synonymesalternationfluctuationinstabilityswingingundulationvacillationvariationwavering

   Antonymesconstancystabilitysteadiness

4. Single cycle of a repeated phenomenonC1formalscientific

   A single complete execution of a periodically repeated phenomenon.

   Oscillation complète

   • Each oscillation of the wave took exactly two seconds.
   • The clock's pendulum completes one oscillation per second.
   • The number of oscillations per minute determines the engine's speed.

   Synonymescycle