(frē′kwĕn-sē)
[L. frequens, stem frequent-, often]

1. The number of repetitions of a phenomenon in a certain period or within a distinct population, such as the frequency of heartbeat, sound vibrations, or a disease.
SEE: incidence
2. The rate of oscillation or alternation in an alternating current circuit, in contradistinction to periodicity in the interruptions or regular variations of current in a direct current circuit. Frequency is computed on the basis of a complete cycle, in which the current rises from zero to a positive maximum, returns to zero, descends to an opposite negative minimum, and returns to zero.
3. The rate at which uterine contractions occur, measured by the time elapsed between the beginning of one contraction and the beginning of the next.