longitudinal wave
noun
: a wave (such as a sound wave) in which the particles of the medium vibrate in the direction of the line of advance of the wave
Examples of longitudinal wave in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The longitudinal waves triggered by a rider slowing or braking spread twice as fast as the transverse waves triggered by riders moving side to side.
—
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 Nov. 2018
The first are longitudinal waves, moving back and forth along the peloton, usually caused when a rider slows to avoid a collision or brakes suddenly.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 Nov. 2018
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 Nov. 2018
The first are longitudinal waves, moving back and forth along the peloton, usually caused when a rider slows to avoid a collision or brakes suddenly.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 Nov. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'longitudinal wave.' 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
1813, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of longitudinal wave was
in 1813
Dictionary Entries Near longitudinal wave
Cite this Entry
“Longitudinal wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/longitudinal%20wave. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on longitudinal wave
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about longitudinal wave
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