square wave

noun

: a waveform that varies periodically and abruptly from one to the other of two uniform values

Examples of square wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The exact shape of this square wave depends on the changing inductance of the coil, which varies during each oscillation because the magnetic field applied to the coil’s Mu-metal core varies. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Apr. 2022 This chopping is done by power transistors, which create the square wave by switching the DC on and off. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Mar. 2023 Craving a sawtooth or square wave? Mallory Johns, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2021 Interestingly, these eye movements, called square wave jerks, show up much more frequently not only in people in treatment for anorexia and those who have recovered from it, but also in their sisters who have never had an eating disorder. Kendall Powell, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Dec. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'square wave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of square wave was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near square wave

Cite this Entry

“Square wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/square%20wave. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.

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