frequency

plural frequencies · alternative obsolete frequence

1. countableuncountableThe rate of occurrence of anything; the relationship between incidence and time period.

   With growing confidence, the Viking’s raids increased in frequency.

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   The frequency of bus service has been improved from one every 15 to one every 12 minutes.

   Synonyms: oftenness

2. uncountableThe property of occurring often rather than infrequently.

   The frequency of the visits was what annoyed him.

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   The FAQ addresses questions that come up with some frequency.

3. countableThe quotient of the number of times n a periodic phenomenon occurs over the time t in which it occurs: f=n/t.

   The frequency of the musical note A above middle C is 440 oscillations per second.

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   The frequency of a wave is its velocity v divided by its wavelength #92;lambda: f#61;v#47;#92;lambda.

   Broadcasting live at a frequency of 98.3 megahertz, we’re your rock alternative!

   The frequency for electric power in the Americas is generally 60 Hz rather than 50.

   […] the Plan incorporates in proper combination every available modern technique, including extensive electrification on the new standard high-voltage a.c. system at a frequency of 50 cycles; main-line diesel traction as a half-way house to electrification; lightweight diesel trains for secondary and branch services; and a smaller wagon fleet doing more work by the use of continuous brakes in conjunction with modernised terminals and marshalling yards.

   1958 January 28, 'Borderer', “Ten Years of British Railways”, in Railway Magazine, page 15

   36 MHz transponder providing a pool of 794 reallocatable frequencies.

   1976, James Martin, Telecommunications and the Computer

4. countableuncountableA tone, character, mood, or vibe

   And if you haven’t picked up on the gay frequencies in her lyrics, her wig choices, and her possible lesbian salutes? Maybe that’s because they weren’t meant for you. IYKYK.

   2023 August 31, Frankie de la Cretaz, “Postcard from Camp Gaylore”, in Cosmopolitan

5. countableuncountablemathematicsnumber of times an event occurred in an experiment (absolute frequency)
6. countableuncountablecommunicationsrange of electromagnetic waves used for wireless communication in devices like radios, TVs and mobile phones