continuous wave

[kuhn-tin-yoo-uhs weyv]

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of continuous wave¹

First recorded in 1910–15