wave theory

noun

1. Also called undulatory theory. Physics. the theory that light is transmitted as a wave, similar to oscillations in magnetic and electric fields. Compare corpuscular theory.
2. Historical Linguistics. a theory that accounts for shared features among languages or dialects by identifying these features as innovations that spread from their points of origin to the speech of contiguous areas.

wave theory

noun

1. the theory proposed by Huygens that light is transmitted by waves
2. See electromagnetic wave
   any theory that light or other radiation is transmitted as waves See electromagnetic wave

Word History and Origins

Origin of wave theory¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

The interference of light is one of the phenomena for which the wave theory offers the only satisfactory explanation.

From Project Gutenberg

In optics, he developed the wave theory, and his name is associated with the simple dispersion formula.

From Project Gutenberg

Likewise, he first proposed the wave theory of light; although it was Huygens who established it on its present foundation.

From Project Gutenberg

Huyghens sought to account for this phenomenon on the principles of the wave theory, and he succeeded in doing so.

From Project Gutenberg

As stated at the time, this discovery ushered in the darkest hour in the fortunes of the wave theory.

From Project Gutenberg