Chattering

Chattering is the act of producing or experiencing rapid, repetitive sounds, movements, or vibrations. The term is used across disciplines to describe a variety of phenomena, from vocalizations in animals to oscillations in machinery and human behavior.

In biology and linguistics, chattering commonly refers to a rapid, continuous sequence of short notes in vocalizations. Birds such as sparrows and jays may emit chattering calls to communicate within flocks or signal alertness. In humans, chattering is a colloquial description of brisk, light, and often trivial conversation or speech.

In engineering and manufacturing, chatter denotes self-excited vibration of a cutting tool and workpiece during machining. It produces irregular cutting forces, surface waviness, and reduced accuracy. Chatter arises from interactions among stiffness, cutting parameters, spindle speeds, and tool-workpiece dynamics; mitigation strategies include increasing system rigidity, altering feed rates and depths of cut, using damped tool holders, and applying active vibration control.

In physiology, teeth chattering refers to rapid, involuntary movement of the jaw or teeth, typically induced by cold, fear, fever, or certain neurological conditions.

The word chattering derives from the verb chat, with roots in Old French chater and earlier Germanic origins; it entered English in the Middle Ages and is used in various fixed phrases and technical terms.