sine wave

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a periodic oscillation, as simple harmonic motion, having the same geometric representation as a sine function.

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sine wave British  

noun

1. any oscillation, such as a sound wave or alternating current, whose waveform is that of a sine curve

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Etymology

Origin of sine wave

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Fosse suggests, through the Emcee, that though the West’s relationship to queerness may bear the pattern of a sine wave, the Grande Human Cabaret can never metaphorically or spiritually close.

From Salon

I mean, this is us lining up sine waves, “Minority Report”-style, and seeing where a vowel or a syllable is sort of falling out of place and giving the actor’s accent away.

From Los Angeles Times

Puccini’s heroine here is overwhelmed by oscillating sine waves.

From Los Angeles Times

“I said, ’Cause, man, No. 1: we sculpt an electronic signal into a sine wave that’s smooth, or a sawtooth, which is rough.

From Los Angeles Times

The room in the film is lined with windows that resemble filmstrips and the moving images are accompanied by a rising tone produced by a sine wave generator.

From New York Times