To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of wave theory
: a theory in physics: light is transmitted from luminous bodies to the eye and other objects by an undulatory movement
— called also undulatory theory
Examples of wave theory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web Probability in pilot-wave theories, in other words, is entirely subjective.
—
Quanta Magazine, "Where Quantum Probability Comes From," 9 Sep. 2019 This alternative view, known as pilot-wave theory or Bohmian mechanics, never became as popular as the Copenhagen view, in part because Bohmian mechanics implies that the world must be strange in other ways.
—
Quanta Magazine, "New Support for Alternative Quantum View," 16 May 2016 Patterns for Alto’ Aether: a medium that in the wave theory of light permeates all space and transmits transverse waves.
—
Jon Pareles, New York Times, "The Playlist: Previously Unreleased Hendrix, and 10 More New Songs," 19 Jan. 2018 The multiple-waves theory has failed as a model because the linguistic similarities used to show patterns of migration are just not that convincing.
—
Adam Rutherford, The Atlantic, "A New History of the First Peoples in the Americas," 3 Oct. 2017
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wave theory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on wave theory
What made you want to look up wave theory? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Semantic Drift Quiz
- Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share wave theory
Time Traveler for wave theory
The first known use of wave theory was in 1833
See more words from the same year