undulatory theory

American  

noun

Physics.

1. wave theory.

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Etymology

Origin of undulatory theory

First recorded in 1795–1805

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

undulatory theory

This result seemed to favour the undulatory theory; but the objection urged by Newton that rays of light do not bend round obstacles, like waves of sound, still held its ground.

From Heroes of Science: Physicists by William Garnett

Some of the phenomena of radiation can be explained only by the emission theory, and others by the undulatory theory of light.

From The Mechanism of Life by Stéphane Leduc

Shortly after the beginning of the 19th century the labours of these three philosophers were shaping the modern doctrine of the undulatory theory of light.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 3 "Apollodorus" to "Aral" by Various

The undulatory theory of light, which maintains that light consists of waves transmitted through an ether, which pervades all space and all matter, owes its origin to Hooke and Huyghens.

From Heroes of Science: Physicists by William Garnett

As the undulatory theory was able to give a satisfactory explanation of the phenomenon, the corpuscular theory was rejected, and the undulatory theory was accepted.

From Aether and Gravitation by William George Hooper

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