an instrument producing a flashing light, the frequency of which can be synchronized with some multiple of the frequency of rotation, vibration, or operation of an object, etc, making it appear stationary. It is used to determine speeds of rotation or vibration, or to adjust objects or parts
Sometimes shortened to: strobe
2.
a similar device synchronized with the opening of the shutter of a camera so that a series of still photographs can be taken of a moving object
Derived forms
stroboscopic (ˌstrəʊbəˈskɒpɪk) or stroboscopical (ˌstroboˈscopical)
adjective
stroboscopically (ˌstroboˈscopically)
adverb
Word origin
C19: from strobo-, from Greek strobos a twisting, whirling + -scope
stroboscope in American English
(ˈstroʊbəˌskoʊp; occas. ˈstrɑbəskoʊp)
noun
1.
an instrument for studying periodic or varying motion; specif., a device using a strobe light to illuminate a moving body, machine, etc. very briefly at frequent intervals