continuous waves
Definition of continuous waves
1 : radio waves that continue with unchanging intensity or amplitude without modulation and that are used in telegraphy in which the wave is turned on and off with a key to form the dots and dashes of a code continuous-wave telegraphy —abbreviation CW
2 : radio waves of which the intensity continues unchanged except for modulation —called also modulated continuous waves — see interrupted continuous waves
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up continuous waves? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!