Meaning & Definition of word "Pendulum"
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Pendulum
/ˈpɛn.dʒə.ləm/
noun:
- 1. A weight affixed to a pendulous device, typically used to regulate the movement of clock mechanisms.
- Example: The clock's pendulum swung steadily, marking the passage of time.
- 2. A body that swings back and forth from a fixed point, often used in physics to demonstrate principles of motion.
- Example: In the physics class, we observed how the pendulum demonstrated simple harmonic motion.
- 3. A situation in which something oscillates or fluctuates between alternatives.
- Example: The political pendulum seemed to swing back and forth between liberal and conservative ideologies.
Etymology
From Latin 'pendulus' meaning hanging.
Common Phrases and Expressions
pendulum effect:
The tendency of a situation to sway back and forth between two extremes.
swing of the pendulum:
The movement from one extreme to another.
Related Words
oscillator:
A device that produces a periodic, oscillating motion.
bob:
The weight at the end of a pendulum.
Slang Meanings of pendulum
Meaning: Inconsistent behavior, often swinging between two choices.
Example Sentence: His decision-making is a real pendulum—today he wants to vacation in Hawaii, tomorrow he's thinking of Europe.
Meaning: Refers to a person who frequently changes opinions.
Example Sentence: She's such a pendulum; just last week she was convinced that was the best movie ever.