Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
transverse wave Word Origin noun Physics.
- a wave in which the direction of displacement is perpendicular to the direction of propagation, as a surface wave of water.
Compare longitudinal wave. Origin of transverse wave First recorded in 1920–25 British Dictionary definitions for transverse wave transverse wave noun
- a wave, such as an electromagnetic wave, that is propagated in a direction perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the transmitting field or mediumCompare longitudinal wave
transverse wave in Science transverse wave
- A wave that oscillates perpendicular to the axis along which the wave travels. Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, since the electric and magnetic fields oscillate at a right angle to the direction of motion. Waves in bodies of water are also transverse waves, since the molecules of water oscillate up and down perpendicular to the direction of the wave’s motion. Compare longitudinal wave. See more at wave.