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    Glossary
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oscillator

Definitions:

  An electronic device used to generate an oscillating signal. The oscillation is based on a periodic event that repeats at a constant rate. The device that controls this event is called a resonator. The resonator needs an energy source so it can sustain oscillation. Taken together, the energy source and resonator form an oscillator. Although many simple types of oscillators (both mechanical and electronic) exist, the two types of oscillators primarily used for time and frequency measurements are quartz oscillators and atomic oscillators.
Sources:
NIST IR 8323r1 from NIST T&F Glossary