Vibrato vs. Vibration — What's the Difference?

Vibrato (Italian, from past participle of "vibrare", to vibrate) is a musical effect consisting of a regular, pulsating change of pitch. It is used to add expression to vocal and instrumental music.

Vibration is a mechanical phenomenon whereby oscillations occur about an equilibrium point. The word comes from Latin vibrationem ("shaking, brandishing").

A tremulous or pulsating effect produced in an instrumental or vocal tone by minute and rapid variations in pitch.

The act of vibrating.

(music) The musical effect or technique where the pitch or frequency of a note or sound is quickly and repeatedly raised and lowered over a small distance for the duration of that note or sound.

The condition of being vibrated.

(music) a pulsating effect in an instrumental or vocal tone produced by slight and rapid variations in pitch

A rapid linear motion of a particle or of an elastic solid about an equilibrium position.

A periodic process.

A single complete vibrating motion; a quiver.

(Informal) A distinctive emotional quality or atmosphere that is sensed or experienced by someone. Often used in the plural

The act of vibrating or the condition of being vibrated.

(physics) Any periodic process, especially a rapid linear motion of a body about an equilibrium position.

A single complete vibrating motion.

(parapsychology) A vibrational energy of spiritual nature through which mediumistic and other paranormal phenomena are conveyed or affected.

An instinctively sensed emotional aura or atmosphere.

The act of vibrating, or the state of being vibrated, or in vibratory motion; quick motion to and fro; oscillation, as of a pendulum or musical string.

A limited reciprocating motion of a particle of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from its position of equilibrium, when that equilibrium has been disturbed, as when a stretched cord or other body produces musical notes, or particles of air transmit sounds to the ear. The path of the particle may be in a straight line, in a circular arc, or in any curve whatever.

The act of vibrating

A distinctive emotional atmosphere; sensed intuitively;

A shaky motion;

(physics) a regular periodic variation in value about a mean