/os"euh layt'/ , v. , oscillated, oscillating .
v.i.
1. to swing or move to and fro, as a pendulum does.
2. to vary or vacillate between differing beliefs, opinions, conditions, etc.: He oscillates regularly between elation and despair.
3. Physics. to have, produce, or generate oscillations.
4. Math. (of a function, sequence, etc.) to tend to no limit, including infinity: The sequence 0, 1, 0, 1, ... oscillates.
v.t.
5. to cause to move to and fro; vibrate.
[ 1720-30; oscillatus (ptp. of oscillare to swing, ride on a swing), equiv. to oscill ( um ) a swing + -atus -ATE 1 ]
Syn. 1. See swing 1 . 2. fluctuate, waver.