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
2

Examples of gravity wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Side note: these gravity waves aren’t to be confused with gravitational waves. 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 

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gravity wave was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near gravity wave

Cite this Entry

“Gravity wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gravity%20wave. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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