sound wave

noun

Physics.

1. a longitudinal wave in an elastic medium, especially a wave producing an audible sensation.

sound wave

noun

1. a wave that propagates sound

Word History and Origins

Origin of sound wave¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

It is a tool that allows scientists to use sound waves to explore the ocean.

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Because a fish's body is close in density to water, sound waves pass through it.

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While the molds use chemical signals to coordinate, Aronson and his collaborators chose acoustic communication instead, since sound waves travel faster than chemical signals, making the approach more practical for robotic applications.

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Sonar imaging, which mapped the ocean floor using sound waves, led researchers to what they claimed was a small aircraft.

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Lossless works by capturing the recording’s original sound waves and putting them together to create an accurate reproduction of its initial quality.

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Related Words

• radio wave