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 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 This year's first place image -- showing silicone oil droplets bouncing continuously above a petri dish of vibrating oil-- was taken by the physicist Dr. Aleks Labuda and demonstrates a theory called pilot wave theory. Rory Sullivan, CNN, 9 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wave theory.' 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

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wave theory was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near wave theory

Cite this Entry

“Wave theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wave%20theory. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

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

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