undulation

noun

un·​du·​la·​tion ˌən-jə-ˈlā-shən 

ˌən-dyə-,

ˌən-də-

1

a

: a rising and falling in waves

b

: a wavelike motion to and fro in a fluid or elastic medium propagated continuously among its particles but with little or no permanent translation of the particles in the direction of the propagation : vibration

2

: the pulsation caused by the vibrating together of two tones not quite in unison

3

: a wavy appearance, outline, or form : waviness

Examples of undulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Total value: $$10.60 billion Summary After a big spike in the value of imports during the height of the pandemic — largely from Switzerland to JFK International Airport — the value (and weight) of gold imports have continued their more normal undulations. —Ken Roberts, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

That frame's hinging action generates power with every undulation of the surrounding water. —New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2024

Pamela: There were a lot of undulations, and the bridges. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024

The entrance delivers an object lesson in undulations, with arched openings, a round Emilia mirror from Soho Home, and a spherical O’Connor chandelier from Visual Comfort. —Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar, Architectural Digest, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

undulation

noun

un·​du·​la·​tion ˌən-jə-ˈlā-shən 

ˌən-d(y)ə-

1

: the action of undulating

2

: a wavy appearance or form : waviness