vibration

[vahy-brey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of vibrating, or an instance of vibratory motion; oscillation; quiver; tremor.

2. the state of being vibrated.

3. Physics.

   1. the oscillating, reciprocating, or other periodic motion of a rigid or elastic body or medium forced from a position or state of equilibrium.

   2. the analogous motion of the particles of a mass of air or the like, whose state of equilibrium has been disturbed, as in transmitting sound.

4. a supernatural emanation, bearing good or ill, that is sensed by or revealed to those attuned to the occult.

5. Informal.,  Often vibrations vibe.

vibration

/ vaɪˈbreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of vibrating

2. physics

   1. a periodic motion about an equilibrium position, such as the regular displacement of air in the propagation of sound

   2. a single cycle of such a motion

3. the process or state of vibrating or being vibrated

vibration

1. A rapid oscillation of a particle, particles, or elastic solid or surface, back and forth across a central position.

Other Word Forms

• vibrational adjective
• vibrationless adjective
• nonvibration noun
• revibration noun
• unvibrational adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vibration¹

First recorded in 1645–55, and in 1965–70 vibration for def. 5; from Latin vibrātiōn- (stem of vibrātiō ); vibrate, -ion

Example Sentences

He and McNamara have changed up nearly everything in this disaster except its vibrations of dread.

From Los Angeles Times

When a male locates a female tarantula, he “initiates a courtship ritual involving rhythmic tapping and vibration to signal his presence and avoid predation,” McCamish said.

From Los Angeles Times

Workers reported feeling vibrations in the structure, and being told to cover up holes with sand and substandard concrete, the report revealed.

From BBC

He said he had barely crossed 100m on the bridge when he felt a vibration before the structure gave way.

From BBC

Parents refreshing their phones, willing that read receipt to appear, just to feel the vibration of a returned text in their palm.

From Salon

Related Words

• fluctuation 
• oscillation 
• pulse 
• reverberation 
• tremor