shock wave

American  

noun

1. a region of abrupt change of pressure and density moving as a wave front at or above the velocity of sound, caused by an intense explosion or supersonic flow over a body.

2. a repercussion from a startling event or upheaval; series of aftereffects.

   shock waves from the recent collapse of one of the nation's largest banks.

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shock wave British  

noun

1. Often shortened to: shock.  a region across which there is a rapid pressure, temperature, and density rise, usually caused by a body moving supersonically in a gas or by a detonation See also sonic boom shock tube

2. a feeling of shock, horror, surprise, etc that affects many people as it spreads through a community

3. the effect created on a queue of moving cars in the lane of a motorway when one car brakes suddenly and the cars behind have to brake as well, causing cars to slow down, sometimes for miles behind the first braking car

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shock wave Scientific  

1. A large-amplitude wave formed by the sudden compression of the medium through which the wave moves. Shock waves can be caused by explosions or by objects moving through a fluid at a speed greater than the speed of sound.

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Etymology

Origin of shock wave

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The geopolitical shock waves have nudged Treasuries higher only modestly.

From Barron's

The geopolitical shock waves have nudged Treasuries higher only modestly.

From Barron's

“The car leaped off the ground from the shock wave,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Seeing exactly how the ejecta blast outward and interact is key to explaining how shock waves form in novae.

From Science Daily

These tiny bursts of electricity also generate small shock waves that can be heard.

From Science Daily