pendulations

Noun

pendulation (countable and uncountable, plural pendulations)

1. A theory, initially proposed by H. Simroth, that the earth not only rotates on its axis and revolves around the sun, but also has a slower swinging movement like a pendulum.
   • Not only is the geographical distribution of creatures now living explained by the pendulation theory, but also the geological periods themselves.1908, H. Simroth, “The Pendulation Theory in relation to Geographical Distribution”, in Report of the Seventy-Seventh Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science..., page 545
2. The act of swinging like a pendulum, as of cargo being transported by crane
   • Load pendulation has long been a problem for all floating cranes transferring containers . The unloading rate is adversely affected by load pendulation which also creates hazards to personnel and equipment .1977, Elizabeth Babcock, “Designing For the Desert,”, in Navy Civil Engineer, volume 18, page 22
3. Vacillation between states, especially between reliving a trauma and relaxation.
   • In trauma work, pendulation describes the process of repeatedly going in and coming out of traumatic material.2009, Svagito Liebermeister, The Zen Way of Counseling, page 127