oscillatory discharge

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. electric discharge, as of a condenser, in which, owing to the character of the circuit, a number of periodic and rapidly diminishing reversals of change occur before equilibrium is established. Lightning frequently takes the form of oscillatory discharge, and the discharge of an induction-coil or static machine may readily be rendered oscillatory by adjusting the capacity, inductance, and resistance of the circuit.