gravity wave
noun
1
: a wave in a fluid (such as the ocean or the atmosphere) which is propagated because of the tendency of gravity to maintain a uniform level or in which gravity is the restoring force
Examples of gravity wave in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Side note: these gravity waves aren’t to be confused with gravitational waves.
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Michael Irving, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2024
Specifically, it has been suggested that core convection, or turbulence from subsurface convection zones, could produce gravity waves that ripple outward to the surface.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 22 Aug. 2023
The next one – Feb. 7 – focuses on recent discoveries using gravity waves.
—Elissa Miolene, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2024
The concentric rings of lightning seen in the upper atmosphere during the Hunga eruption are thought to have been created by superfast energetic waves known as gravity waves.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 27 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for gravity wave 
Michael Irving, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2024
Specifically, it has been suggested that core convection, or turbulence from subsurface convection zones, could produce gravity waves that ripple outward to the surface.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 22 Aug. 2023
The next one – Feb. 7 – focuses on recent discoveries using gravity waves.
—Elissa Miolene, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2024
The concentric rings of lightning seen in the upper atmosphere during the Hunga eruption are thought to have been created by superfast energetic waves known as gravity waves.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 27 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for gravity wave
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gravity wave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Gravity wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gravity%20wave. Accessed 30 Sep. 2024.
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