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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
And so nothing would prevent you from sending an infinite number of those longitudinal waves and compensate them with the normal gravitational waves at no energy cost at all. Janna Levin, Quanta Magazine, 29 Aug. 2024 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

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 5 Nov. 2024.

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