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Definition of Oscillate
1. Verb. Be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action. "He oscillates between accepting the new position and retirement"
Generic synonyms: Hesitate, Waffle, Waver
Specialized synonyms: Shillyshally
Derivative terms: Oscillation, Vacillant, Vacillation, Vacillator
2. Verb. Move or swing from side to side regularly. "The needle on the meter was oscillating"
Generic synonyms: Sway, Swing
Specialized synonyms: Hunt, Librate
Derivative terms: Oscillation, Oscillation, Oscillatory, Vibration, Vibration, Vibrator
Definition of Oscillate
1. v. i. To move backward and forward; to vibrate like a pendulum; to swing; to sway.
Definition of Oscillate
1. [v -LATED, -LATING, -LATES]
Medical Definition of Oscillate
1. 1. To move backward and forward; to vibrate like a pendulum; to swing; to sway. 2. To vary or fluctuate between fixed limits; to act or move in a fickle or fluctuating manner; to change repeatedly, back and forth. "The amount of superior families oscillates rather than changes, that is, it fluctuates within fixed limits." (Dc Quincey) Origin: L. Oscillare to swing, fr. Oscillum a swing, a little mask or puppet made to be hung from trees and swing in the wind, prob. Orig, a little mouth, a dim. From os mouth. See Oral, and cf. Osculate. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Oscillate
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