Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

surface wave

noun

Definition of surface wave 

: an earthquake vibration propagated in the earth's outer shell

— contrasted with body wave

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!

Learn More about surface wave

Share surface wave

Resources for surface wave

Cite Time Traveler Time Traveler! Explore the year a word first appeared

Dictionary Entries near surface wave

surface-to-air missile

surface-to-surface missile

surface water

surface wave

surfacing

surfacing machine

surfactant

Statistics for surface wave

Look-up Popularity

Comments on surface wave

What made you want to look up surface wave? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

rebuff

to reject or criticize sharply

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games