gravity wave

noun

1

: a wave in a fluid (such as the ocean or the atmosphere) which is propagated because of the tendency of gravity to maintain a uniform level or in which gravity is the restoring force

2

: gravitational wave

Examples of gravity wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Computer modeling demonstrated that the secondary gravity waves, which have faster speeds and reach higher magnitudes, best matched the satellite data. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025

These vibrations were gravity waves, and they are produced when astronomically massive objects experience significant accelerations, which means an awful lot of energy is involved. —IEEE Spectrum, 16 Oct. 2017

So, therefore this one-micron dimension space will potentially carry in it some long gravity waves which would play the role of dark matter. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025

Here's how to spot elusive 'night-shining' clouds The mesmerizing wave-like patterns seen in Watson's timelapse are the result of nearby thunderstorms producing gravity waves in the upper atmosphere. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gravity wave

• aftershave
• architrave
• autoclave
• microwave
• misbehave
• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave