longitudinal wave

noun

: a wave (such as a sound wave) in which the particles of the medium vibrate in the direction of the line of advance of the wave

Example Sentences

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, 19 Nov. 2018 The first are longitudinal waves, moving back and forth along the peloton, usually caused when a rider slows to avoid a collision or brakes suddenly. —

Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 Nov. 2018 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, 19 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'longitudinal wave.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of longitudinal wave was in 1813

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near longitudinal wave

longitudinal valley

longitudinal wave

long Jack

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Longitudinal wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/longitudinal%20wave. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation