wave theory
noun
: 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
That observation offers a key piece of evidence in support of the chorus wave theory, Horne writes.
—
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025
On July 4, 2012, scientists at the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, located 328 feet below the France-Switzerland border outside Geneva, announced that the existence of the Higgs boson — a wave theory first proposed in 1964 — had been proven.
—Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2024
Physicists had been unable to explain this phenomenon with classical wave theory, so Einstein introduced a new concept: the quantization of light.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023
Is this golden wave theory a thing?
—Martha Sorren, refinery29.com, 9 May 2021
Of the many interpretations of quantum theory, pilot wave theory is unique in that Valentini has found a way in which it might be experimentally tested.
—Tim Folger, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2017
But not everyone in the mainstream media rode along with the red wave theory.
—Doyle McManuswashington Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2023
Pilot wave theory explains the strange two-slit experiment: A particle always goes through one slit or the other; at the same time its pilot wave travels through both slits.
—Tim Folger, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2017
The amazing breadth of his contributions stand out even today, ranging from his work on the science of electricity and the wave theory of light to demography, meteorology, physical oceanography and even behavioral science.
—Nick Pyenson, Scientific American, 16 Nov. 2020
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Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025
On July 4, 2012, scientists at the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, located 328 feet below the France-Switzerland border outside Geneva, announced that the existence of the Higgs boson — a wave theory first proposed in 1964 — had been proven.
—Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2024
Physicists had been unable to explain this phenomenon with classical wave theory, so Einstein introduced a new concept: the quantization of light.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023
Is this golden wave theory a thing?
—Martha Sorren, refinery29.com, 9 May 2021
Of the many interpretations of quantum theory, pilot wave theory is unique in that Valentini has found a way in which it might be experimentally tested.
—Tim Folger, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2017
But not everyone in the mainstream media rode along with the red wave theory.
—Doyle McManuswashington Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2023
Pilot wave theory explains the strange two-slit experiment: A particle always goes through one slit or the other; at the same time its pilot wave travels through both slits.
—Tim Folger, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2017
The amazing breadth of his contributions stand out even today, ranging from his work on the science of electricity and the wave theory of light to demography, meteorology, physical oceanography and even behavioral science.
—Nick Pyenson, Scientific American, 16 Nov. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Wave theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wave%20theory. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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