group velocity

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the velocity of finite numbers of waves undergoing simple harmonic motion, equal to the phase velocity when it does not vary with the wavelengths of the waves. The group velocity of the set of waves produced in water when a stone is dropped is less than the velocity of the individual waves.

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Etymology

Origin of group velocity

First recorded in 1885–90

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How does group-velocity compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• phase velocity vs. group velocity