a. [f. VIBRATE v. + -ORY2. Cf. F. vibratoire, Sp. and Pg. vibratorio.]
1. Of the nature of vibration; characterized by or consisting of vibration.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Vibration, Sensation is supposed to be perform’d by means of the vibratory Motion of the Nerves.
a. 1734. North, Lives (1826), I. 247. When the vibratory pulses are so slow as may be distinguished, sound vanisheth.
1788. Gibbon, Decl. & F., xliii. IV. 326. An impulsive or vibratory motion was felt [in the earth].
1801. Belsham, Philosophy of Mind, § 4. 41. Impressions made upon the principal organs of sensations are vibratory; the vibratory agitations of light and of air, or any other medium of sound, may reasonably be supposed to excite corresponding vibrations, directly or indirectly, in the minute particles of the optic and auditory nerves.
1822–7. Good, Study Med. (1829), IV. 449. The vibratory and irregular action, which we denominate palpitation of the heart.
1878. Prescott, Sp. Telephone (1879), 7. The tone or pitch,… which depends upon the rapidity of the vibratory movement.
2. Causing or producing vibration.
1756. Burke, Subl. & B., IV. § 21. The smoothness of the oil, and the vibratory power of the salt, cause the sense we call sweetness.
1793. Smeaton, Edystone L., § 323. So many vibratory strokes, can do it no service.
1812. Religionism, 44. Vibration lends its aid; for human throats Have vibratory powers, that swell our notes.
1897. R. W. Trine, In Tune with the Infinite, vi. 128. Don’t be afraid to voice your desires. In this way you set into operation vibratory forces which go out and which make their impress felt somewhere, and which, arousing into activity or uniting with other forces, set about to actualize your desires.
3. Of or pertaining to, connected or associated with, vibration.
1831. Blakey, Free-will, 170. The vibratory, or automatic system of Dr. Hartley.
1834. Mrs. Somerville, Connex. Phys. Sci., xvii. 140. All the particles of an undulating fluid which are at once in a vibratory state.
1838. Penny Cycl., XII. 85/2. Producing a peculiar vibratory sensation.
1889. Science-Gossip, XXV. 43/1. This is explained by the vibratory theory of light.
4. Capable of vibrating; readily admitting of vibration.
1839. Darwin, Voy. Nat., i. 17. The animals move with the narrow apex forwards, by the aid of their vibratory ciliæ.
1862. R. H. Patterson, Ess. Hist. & Art, 13. The vibratory rays of the spectrum.
1878. Prescott, Sp. Telephone (1879), 23. It being necessary to keep the vibratory bells at each station in circuits, in order that calls may be heard.
b. Of the voice: Vibrant. Also const. with.
1890. ‘R. Boldrewood,’ Miner’s Right (1899), 95. He … commenced in a resonant vibratory voice.
1891. W. Clark Russell, Marriage at Sea, vii. A voice vibratory with excitement.
