continuous wave

American  

[kuhn-tin-yoo-uhs weyv] / kənˈtɪn ju əs ˈweɪv /

noun

Telecommunications.

1. an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency: used to carry information by being modulated, as in radio or television, or by being interrupted as in radiotelegraphy. CW

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adjective

1. Also continuous-wave noting a machine or device that functions through a constant and controlled output of waves, as of light from a laser, sound from an ultrasound, or radio energy from radar. CW

Etymology

Origin of continuous wave

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

continuous wave

And on the fourth, he managed to create a continuous wave.

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026

The chosen location was not a stadium, but an urban setting ideal for spreading a visible, continuous wave: the emblematic Paseo de la Reforma, an iconic arterial road inspired by European boulevards.

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026

“Somerville has experienced a continuous wave of immigration now for well over a century of Europeans and those from the Caribbean and Central and South America,” he said in a telephone interview.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 12, 2019

These machines take the math exercise that is a digital signal and turn it into the continuous wave that is analog.

From Washington Post

A 100 Mile C. W. Telegraph Transmitter.—Here is a continuous wave telegraph transmitter that will cover distances up to 100 miles that you can rely on.

From The Radio Amateur's Hand Book by A. Frederick (Archie Frederick) Collins