An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To oscillate with a continuing periodic change relative to a fixed reference point or state of equilibrium. → oscillate.

Etymology (EN): From L. vibratus, p.p. of vibrare “to move quickly to and fro, shake” (cf. Lith. wyburiu “to wag the tail,” Dan. vippe, Du. wippen “to swing,” O.E. wipan “to wipe”).

Etymology (PE): Šividan “to vibrate, move to and fro, to tremble,” related to šodan, šow- “to go; to become;” Av. šiyav-, š(ii)auu- “to move, go,” šiyavati “goes,” šyaoθna- “activity; action; doing, working;” O.Pers. šiyav- “to go forth, set,” ašiyavam “I set forth;” Skt. cyu- “to move to and fro, shake about; to stir,” cyávate “stirs himself, goes;” Gk. kinein “to move;”
Goth. haitan “call, be called;” O.E. hatan “command, call;” PIE base *kei- “to move to and fro.”