vibrator
UK /vaɪˈbɹeɪtə/ · US /ˈvaɪbɹeɪtɚ/ noun
Forms vibrators
- noun A vibrating device used for massage or sexual stimulation. “They recommend a vibrator because it's a safe alternative to sex.”
- noun (historical) A device designed to electromechanically interrupt current flowing to the step-up transformer which was used to generate the high tension positive supply in old battery-operated (automotive) valve radios.
- noun A trembler, as of an electric bell.
- noun A vibrating reed for transmitting or receiving pulsating currents in a harmonic telegraph system.
- noun A device for vibrating the pen of a siphon recorder to diminish frictional resistance on the paper.
- noun An oscillator.
- noun An ink-distributing roller in a printing machine, having an additional vibratory motion.
- noun A vibrating reed in a musical instrument, especially a reed organ.
Etymology
From New Latin vibrātor, from Latin vibrō (“to vibrate”). By surface analysis, vibrate + -or.
Webster’s 1913
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “vibrator”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details