transverse wave
nounDefinition of transverse wave
: a wave in which the vibrating element moves in a direction perpendicular to the direction of advance of the wave
Examples of transverse wave in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The longitudinal waves triggered by a rider slowing or braking spread twice as fast as the transverse waves triggered by riders moving side to side. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "What we can learn about crowd behavior by watching the Tour de France," 19 Nov. 2018 The second are transverse waves, produced as riders swerve left or right to avoid obstacles or find a more advantageous position. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "What we can learn about crowd behavior by watching the Tour de France," 19 Nov. 2018 Patterns for Alto’ Aether: a medium that in the wave theory of light permeates all space and transmits transverse waves. — Jon Pareles, New York Times, "The Playlist: Previously Unreleased Hendrix, and 10 More New Songs," 19 Jan. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transverse wave.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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