Vibrations

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The propagation of oscillatory motions through a medium that results in sensory feedback
2. The occurrence of rhythmic movements that can be perceived by the senses or triggered reactions in nearby objects
3. Rapid back-and-forth movements of an object or substance causing detectable effects ; patterns of energy transfer through a material that generate a sensation or influence surroundings

Etymology: Plural nouns get a short treatment: the singular "vibration" is the form that carries the history, and it came into English by way of French from Latin "vibrātiō", a noun meaning "a shaking or brandishing." That Latin noun grew from "vibrō," "shake" or "vibrate," the verb that also gave English "vibrate." The word thus began as a plain description of something being shaken back and forth, and its meaning widened over the centuries until it could cover the faint hum of a sound wave or the trembling of a building under traffic.

Synonyms: oscillations, shudders, quivers, tremors, pulses

Antonyms: stillness, calm