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Glite Dictionary
periodic motion

periodic motion

4.1
Movement that repeats at regular times, with each cycle taking the same amount of time
  • noun
  • /ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk ˈmoʊʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : movimiento periódico
  • The periodic motion of a pendulum is consistent, swinging back and forth at regular intervals.

Examples

  • In the astrometric method, they look for the slight periodic motion of the star in the sky.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The two research groups always sampled the momenta of the atoms at the same point in their periodic motion.

    Academic text (2001)

  • The lack of vibrato indicates great vocal tension of the unhealthy sort in which the vocal bands are rigid instead of engaging in healthy periodic motion.

    Academic text (2005)

  • In physics class, we learned how the periodic motion of a swing can be influenced by the height from which it starts.

  • The study focused on the periodic motion of waves, demonstrating how they repeat at equal intervals.

Synonyms

oscillation
vsperiodic motion
  • Specialized
9 7.2

A repeated movement between two positions, often in a regular rhythm

is broader and means any repeating cycle where each cycle takes equal time
periodic movement
vsperiodic motion
  • Specialized
6.1

Motion that repeats at regular times, like a swinging pendulum

is identical but uses a different common word for the action

Antonyms

irregular
27 3.5

Happening at no fixed times

chaotic
  • Specialized
9 7.2

A system where small changes cause very different results that are hard to predict

How Regular

simple harmonic motion
  • Specialized
6.3
periodic motion
  • Specialized
4.1

Surface Forms

periodic motion singular
periodic motions plural

Morphology

periodic + motion

The meaning 'motion that repeats at regular intervals' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'periodic' (recurring at regular intervals) with 'motion' (movement). This adjective+noun composition follows standard, cross-linguistic semantics, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Periodic motion: The term periodic motion uses a simple picture: motion that 'repeats' in a steady cycle, like a swinging pendulum or the hands of a clock. Because periodic means a regular 'period' of time, the phrase means movement that happens again and again after the same amount of time.