undulation

[uhn-juh-ley-shuhn, uhn-dyuh-, -duh-]

noun

1. an act of undulating; a wavelike motion.

2. a wavy form or outline.

3. one of a series of wavelike bends, curves, or elevations.

4. Physics.

   1. a wave.

   2. the motion of waves.

undulation

/ ˌʌndjʊˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of undulating

2. any wave or wavelike form, line, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of undulation¹

First recorded in 1640–50; undul(ate) + -ation

Example Sentences

As Jake reported before us, “They came in like undulations in the water, gathered weight of water, and then broke smoothly on the warm sand,” and warm it was.

Read more on Salon

The market’s undulations staying confined to the financial sphere can be a good thing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Her boss' stiff façade slips as his spine and joints move in a constant state of undulation.

Read more on Salon

With just 118 yards left, Lowry knocked his approach left of the hole, took advantage of the green’s undulations and watched as it tracked all the way in for an eagle.

Read more on Seattle Times

With undulations and drum-accented contractions, she gives birth and removes the cord.

Read more on New York Times