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Glite Dictionary
to nutate

to nutate

9.9
To move in small, slow back-and-forth or nodding motions without thinking
  • verb
  • /njuːˈteɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : oscilar
  • The pendulum nutated back and forth, marking the passage of time in a steady motion.

Examples

  • The branches began to nutate gently in the breeze, creating a calming rhythm.

  • Positive displacement type meters are generally constructed with a nutating disc or oscillating piston in the measuring chamber.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Not only can students learn the music of oral cultures aurally, but they can also effectively learn the nutated music of literate cultures by listening.

    Academic text (2005)

  • As the child played, his head would nutate with excitement whenever he heard the music.

Synonyms

to rock
vsto nutate
230 1.0

To move gently back and forth to comfort or calm

is usually involuntary and more rhythmic, showing nodding or slight swaying
to wobble
vsto nutate
40 3.8

To move or shake unsteadily from side to side

is usually periodic and regular, occurring as involuntary nodding or slight sway
to oscillate
vsto nutate
8 6.5

Move back and forth in a steady rhythm like a fan

is usually involuntary and consists of small nods or gentle sway

How Much

to oscillate
8 6.5
to wobble
40 3.8
to nutate
  • Specialized
9.9
tilt
12 2.8
nod
131 1.0

Surface Forms

nutate infinitive
nutated past
nutated past participle
nutating present participle
nutates third person singular

Etymology

The word nutate comes from the Latin verb nutare, which means 'to nod' or 'to sway', so imagine a small, repeated head nod. So, nutate means to rock, sway, or nod in a gentle way or without meaning to.