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Glite Dictionary
multivibrator

multivibrator

9.6
A small electronic circuit that makes regular electrical pulses like square waves
  • noun
  • /ˌmʌltɪˈvaɪbreɪtər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : multivibrador
  • A multivibrator is used in the circuit to produce consistent square waves for the audio signal.

Examples

  • We designed a multivibrator circuit that generates pulse waves for our latest project.

  • The technician explained how the multivibrator can modify electrical signals in various devices.

  • Multivibrator displays and virtual sound displays convey this information immediately without the need to search.

    Academic text (2007)

  • The use of a single vibrator has obvious advantages over multivibrator displays, such as cost, complexity, and simplicity in attire.

    Academic text (2007)

  • The engineer was at his best, miming a trigger with a multivibrator and play-acting funny scenes from three generations of life in his somewhat odd family.

    Fiction book (2002)

Synonyms

oscillator
vsmultivibrator
  • Specialized
10 7.2

A device that makes a regular repeating signal like sound or electric current

is a circuit that generates or modifies signals, often making pulses not continuous waves
pulse generator
vsmultivibrator
  • Specialized
1 6.5

A device that makes short electric signals to test or measure circuits

is a circuit that generates or shapes pulses and square waves
pulser
vsmultivibrator
  • Specialized
7.7

A device that makes regular electrical pulses

is a circuit that can generate or modify pulses but not only steady rhythm

Surface Forms

multivibrator singular
multivibrators plural

Morphology

multivibrator = vibrator (opaque) = multi + vibrate + or

Although the form is built from clear parts, the specialized electronic sense is not straightforwardly predictable from 'multi' plus 'vibrator' for an average learner.

Etymology

Multivibrator comes from multi- meaning 'many' and vibrate meaning 'to shake' or 'move quickly back and forth'. That's why a multivibrator is an electronic circuit that makes many quick pulses or on/off signals, producing repeating waves.