secondary wave

American  

[sek-uhn-der-ee wayv] / ˈsɛk ənˌdɛr i ˈweɪv /

noun

plural

secondary waves

1. Geology. shear wave.

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secondary wave Scientific  

1. A type of seismic body wave in which rock particles vibrate at right angles to the direction of wave travel. Secondary waves cause the rocks they pass through to change in shape. These waves are the second fastest traveling seismic waves (after primary waves) and can travel through solids but not through liquids or gases.

2. Also called shear wave S wave

3. See Note at earthquake

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Example Sentences

Eastern Pennsylvania, New York state and New England may see a bit more, as a secondary wave of low pressure develops along the front off the New England coastline.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2021

The takedown itself spawned a secondary wave of reposts of the video and anger over censorship.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2020

For the secondary wave of spawning fish, work plastic worms and creatures, topwater, and crankbaits.

From Washington Times • Apr. 15, 2020

The prospect of a secondary wave comes as the European Union tries to hammer out a common response to the crisis already on its shores.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 8, 2015

With few exceptions, abruptness can occur only in the presence of the first term, viz. when the secondary wave of least retardation is unobstructed, or when a ray passes through the point under consideration.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 4 "Diameter" to "Dinarchus" by Various