What does "wigwag" mean?
Any of a number of mechanical or electrical devices which cause a component to oscillate between two states.
Wigwag
/ˈwɪɡwaɡ/ adv, noun, verb
adv, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Any of a number of mechanical or electrical devices which cause a component to oscillate between two states.
- Grammar: wigwag is listed as adv, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: aid to navigation, alarm, alternate, alternation.
- Useful contrasts: conceal, disregard, ignore.
- Usage evidence: The wig-wag [an instrument measuring solar radiation] utilizes the principle that the gaseous phase of a volatile liquid expands as a result of the conversion of radiant energy to sensible heat. It requires only a reading of the count at whatever interval the observer chooses.
How to use "wigwag"
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Meaning check
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Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "wigwag" in a final draft.
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Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any of a number of mechanical or electrical devices which cause a component to oscillate between two states.
"The wig-wag [an instrument measuring solar radiation] utilizes the principle that the gaseous phase of a volatile liquid expands as a result of the conversion of radiant energy to sensible heat. It requires only a reading of the count at whatever interval the observer chooses."
- 2 Any of a number of mechanical or electrical devices which cause a component to oscillate between two states.; A device that causes one or more lights to flash in a preset pattern.
"Framed by the pulsing wig-wag lights the painted the stone walls and arched windows of the front of the Gallatin Gateway Inn in vivid reds and blues, Cody Hoyt tossed the duffel he'd saved into the back of his Ford."
- 3 Any of a number of mechanical or electrical devices which cause a component to oscillate between two states.; A device that causes one or more lights to flash in a preset pattern.; A red light near the door of a sound stage that flashes to indicate that cameras are rolling inside the stage and that all people and vehicles outside should remain quiet; a red-eye.
"I parked near a big sound stage building; lamped a red wig-wag signal rocking back and forth to indicate a scene being shot inside. This meant no admittance until the cameras had stopped grinding. Presently a bell jingled and the wig-wag died."
- 4 Any of a number of mechanical or electrical devices which cause a component to oscillate between two states.; A device that causes one or more lights to flash in a preset pattern.; A device used to cause lamps installed on a motor vehicle, especially an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance or police car, to flash as a warning.
"Rogan hit the wigwag flashers on the headlights of the Crown Vic and made it to the circular driveway at the Sixth Avenue entrance of the Hilton in four minutes flat."
- 5 Any of a number of mechanical or electrical devices which cause a component to oscillate between two states.; A device that causes one or more lights to flash in a preset pattern.; A device with multiple (often two), alternately flashing lights which is installed at a railway level crossing (or grade crossing), a movable bridge, etc., to warn vehicular traffic to stop.
"Travelling home about half past ten o'clock on a recent night he had seen a motor-car which had been driven into the cattle-stop on the railway-line. It was a bad night from a visibility point of view, and the wig-wag was not operating, as no train was in sight. However, before the motor-car was extricated a train passed within three inches of it."
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- 6 Any of a number of mechanical or electrical devices which cause a component to oscillate between two states.; An instrument that creates a wigwagging motion for polishing.
"The wigwag is used for polishing the shoulders of pinions, pinion leaves, staffs and pivots, and for numerous other operations. […] These tools are used extensively in all the American watch factories."
- 7 Any of a number of mechanical or electrical devices which cause a component to oscillate between two states.; A warning device inside the cabin of a truck that causes a mechanical arm to drop into view when the pressure in the airbrake system of the truck becomes too low for the brakes to be reliably deployed.
"Some vehicles with air brakes also use a wigwag low pressure indicator. This is mounted above the windshield. If the air pressure drops below 60 psi, the signal arm will drop down across the windshield. You can't reset it (push it back out of view) until air pressure is brought above 60 psi. Don't operate the vehicle with the signal arm lever down."
- 8 Any of a number of mechanical or electrical devices which cause a component to oscillate between two states.; A grade crossing signal with a swinging motion used to indicate an approaching train. US
"One of the first standard types of automated visual grade-crossing warning was the automated flagman, a signal commonly known as a "wigwag." According to Santa Fe documents, the wigwag was adopted as a standard crossing device by the American Railway Association in 1923. A standard wigwag is actuated by a track circuit and consists of a paddle with a red lamp that gracefully swings back and forth in a horizontal pattern when a train approaches. A wigwag is usually accompanied by a bell."
- 9 A signal sent by waving a flag to and fro. US, historical
"Boy Scouts and others interested in visual signaling can practice indoors with this miniature wigwag sender."
Verb
- 1 To move gently in one direction and then another; to wig or wiggle, to wag or waggle.
- 2 signal by or as if by a flag or light waved according to a code wordnet
- 3 An act of wigwagging.
"Beautiful tails, O, beautiful tails, / Thy gentle wigwag is joyous and queer; / How to our hearts thy switchery tells / Tails of the past ever dear."
- 4 send a signal by waving a flag or a light according to a certain code wordnet
- 5 To oscillate between two states.
"Then the headlights swept around the last bend in the track and the train was bearing down on us from less than a block away. The engineer saw us and started leaning on the horn. He was going way too fast. The train whistle kept blaring as the white headlamp on the lead car wigwagged back and forth, strobing the car as the train thundered toward us."
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- 6 To send a signal by waving a flag to and fro. US, historical
"He had no prearranged signals for explaining the presence of the two Americans, but when the planes returned to check his messages, he wigwagged: "No Japanese. No signs," and then led Krickel and his daughter to where they could be clearly seen. The lead plane dipped its wings alterately and flew back toward Dutch Harbor."
Adverb
- 1 With a wigwagging or to-and-fro motion. not-comparable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The wig-wag [an instrument measuring solar radiation] utilizes the principle that the gaseous phase of a volatile liquid expands as a result of the conversion of radiant energy to sensible heat. It requires only a reading of the count at whatever interval the observer chooses."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "wigwag"?
Common synonyms include: aid to navigation, alarm, alternate, alternation, amber light, back and fill.
How do you use "wigwag" in a sentence?
The wig-wag [an instrument measuring solar radiation] utilizes the principle that the gaseous phase of a volatile liquid expands as a result of the conversion of radiant energy to sensible heat. It requires only a reading of the count at whatever interval the observer chooses.
How do you pronounce "wigwag"?
Pronounced /ˈwɪɡwaɡ/.
Etymology
From wig (“to wag, waggle”) + wag (“to swing”). The noun is derived from the verb.