vibration

1. A shaking. 2. A to-and-fro movement, as in oscillation. [L. vibratio, fr. vibro, pp. -atus, to quiver, shake]

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vi·bra·tion vī-'brā-shən n

1 a) 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

vi·brate 'vī-.brāt vb, vi·brat·ed; vi·brat·ing

vi·bra·tion·al -shnəl, -shən-əl adj

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vi·bra·tion (vi-braґshən) [L. vibratio, from vibrare to shake] 1. a rapid movement to and fro; cf. oscillation. 2. massage in which a light, rhythmic, quivering effect is achieved; often performed with a mechanical device (electrovibratory or vibratory massage).