primary wave

noun

1. Seismology.,  P wave.

primary wave

1. A type of seismic body wave in which rock particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel. Primary waves are alternatingly compressional and extensional, and cause the rocks they pass through to change in volume. These waves are the fastest traveling seismic waves and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

2. Also called P wave

3. See Note at earthquake

Word History and Origins

Origin of primary wave¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Live Nation and Primary Wave could have taken the same route, but they didn’t; they doubled down on support.

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In 2022, the estate changed administration to some of his heirs, associates and the music publisher Primary Wave.

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Last month, Porcaro announced that he’d sold the rights to his music — including the Toto songs he had a hand in as well as the indelible Michael Jackson hit “Human Nature,” which he co-wrote with lyricist John Bettis — in a deal with the Jackson estate and the music company Primary Wave.

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In late 2020, Fleetwood Mac star Stevie Nicks sold an 80% stake in her music to Primary Wave for a reported $100 million.

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Primary Wave, a music company that owns a minority stake in Jackson’s music publishing interests, was not a party to the transaction; a representative of Primary Wave declined to comment.

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