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vibration

noun
viĀ·​braĀ·​tion | \ vÄ«-Ėˆbrā-shən How to pronounce vibration (audio) \

Definition of vibration

1a : a periodic motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from the position of equilibrium when that equilibrium has been disturbed (as when a stretched cord produces musical tones or molecules in the air transmit sounds to the ear)
b : the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion: such as
(1) : oscillation
(2) : a quivering or trembling motion : quiver
2 : an instance of vibration
3 : vacillation in opinion or action : wavering
4a : a characteristic emanation, aura, or spirit that infuses or vitalizes someone or something and that can be instinctively sensed or experienced —often used in plural
b : a distinctive usually emotional atmosphere capable of being sensed —usually used in plural
Other Words from vibration Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about vibration

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Other Words from vibration

vibrational \ vÄ«-​Ėˆbrā-​shnəl How to pronounce vibrational (audio) , -​shə-​nįµŠl \ adjective
vibrationless \ vÄ«-​Ėˆbrā-​shən-​ləs How to pronounce vibrationless (audio) \ adjective

Examples of vibration in a Sentence

trying to reduce engine vibration the vibration of the floor caused by thundering feet in the hallway

Recent Examples on the Web

 The research team has an entire webpage devoted to its seismic recordings of the natural resonances (vibrations) that come out of the Utah arches. — Jennifer Ouellette, Wired, "The Rock That Vibrates in Time With Earth, Wind, and Waves," 2 Sep. 2019 Instead the phonons sped up the current in the circuit, thanks to a special material that created an electric field in response to vibrations. — Leila Sloman, Scientific American, "Trapping the Tiniest Sound," 30 Aug. 2019 The research team has an entire Web page devoted to its seismic recordings of the natural resonances (vibrations) that come out of the Utah arches. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Popular Utah rock-climbing spot vibrates in time with earth, wind, and waves," 27 Aug. 2019 Primary and secondary counter balancers mitigate any harsh vibrations. — Joe Michaud, San Diego Union-Tribune, "2019 KTM 790 Duke: a lightweight, midsize rocket of a bike," 25 Aug. 2019 Vibe HarslĆøf is a Danish jewelry designer whose antennae are especially sensitive to vibrations coming from underground subcultures. — Vogue, "Danish Jewelry Designer Vibe HarslĆøfā€™s Riffs on the Omnipresent EarPod are Something to Shout About," 23 Aug. 2019 The joints allow the bridge to adjust to changes in temperature and vibrations. — Will Houston, The Mercury News, "Richmond-San Rafael Bridge project gets $19.9 million from gas tax," 17 Aug. 2019 The problems with the carsā€™ automatic transmission DPS6 ā€” made to improve the vehicleā€™s fuel economy ā€” include vibration when the transmission is operated at low speed and a potential for the transmission to default to neutral. — Washington Post, "Ford extends Focus, Fiesta warranties," 15 Aug. 2019 Reminiscent of a chic galactic weapon, the amethyst wand is the first vibrating facial massager from Jamie Sue Sherrill (i.e. Nurse Jamie) and uses sonic vibrations to pulse 6,000 times per minute. — Braelyn Wood, Health.com, "The 3 Face Massager Benefits You Should Know About," 8 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vibration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of vibration

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for vibration

vibration

noun
How to pronounce vibration (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of vibration

: a continuous slight shaking movement : a series of small, fast movements back and forth or from side to side
informal : a feeling that someone or something gives you

See the full definition for vibration in the English Language Learners Dictionary

vibration

noun
viĀ·​braĀ·​tion | \ vÄ«-Ėˆbrā-shən How to pronounce vibration (audio) \

Kids Definition of vibration

1 : a rapid motion (as of a stretched cord) back and forth
2 : the action of moving or causing to move back and forth or from side to side very quickly : the state of being swung back and forth
3 : a trembling motion

vibration

noun
viĀ·​braĀ·​tion | \ vÄ«-Ėˆbrā-shən How to pronounce vibration (audio) \

Medical Definition of vibration

1a : a periodic motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from the position of equilibrium when that equilibrium has been disturbed (as when particles of air transmit sounds to the ear)
b : the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion
2 : an instance of vibration

Other Words from vibration

vibrate \ ĖˆvÄ«-​ĖŒbrāt How to pronounce vibrate (audio) \ verb vibrated; vibrating
vibrational \ -​shnəl, -​shən-​įµŠl How to pronounce vibrational (audio) \ adjective

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