standing wave

noun

: a single-frequency mode of vibration of a body or physical system in which the amplitude varies from place to place, is constantly zero at fixed points, and has maxima at other points

Examples of standing wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The interaction between the incoming and reflected waves creates a standing wave, which contains alternating regions of high and low pressure, known as antinodes and nodes. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025 As the gyroscope turns, the standing wave stays in place like a magnet compass needle pointing north. New Atlas, 2 Dec. 2025 These long-lasting standing waves, called seiches, had never been directly observed in this kind of setting — until now. Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 4 June 2025 Rather than producing a single shockwave, Koch and his co-authors discovered that the unique sound occurs because popping the lid produces a vibrating standing wave, thanks to condensation within the bottleneck, according to a paper published in the journal Physics of Fluids. ArsTechnica, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for standing wave

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of standing wave was in 1845

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Cite this Entry

“Standing wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standing%20wave. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

standing wave

noun
: a vibration of a body or physical system in which the amplitude varies from place to place, is constantly zero at fixed points, and does not appear to move

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