wave theory

noun

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

Recent Examples of wave theory from the Web

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

These 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.

First Known Use of wave theory

1833

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

wave theory

noun

medical 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