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pressure wave
noun
: a wave (such as a sound wave) in which the propagated disturbance is a variation of pressure in a material medium
called also P-wave
Examples of pressure wave in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Another pressure wave hit in late afternoon November 21, lifting the ship's stern.
—
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 13 June 2024
Human ears are built to detect vibrations or pressure waves traveling through air and water, which our brains perceive as voices or sounds.
—
Kiley Price, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024
The company said wave engines operate by using pressure waves instead of rotating parts like a conventional turbine jet engines.
—
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024
The strength of blast exposure is often measured in pounds per square inch of the pressure wave.
—
Dave Philipps, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pressure wave ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-06-24--16-08-26-f2gnl/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pressure wave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1942, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near pressure wave
Cite this Entry
“Pressure wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressure%20wave. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Medical Definition
pressure wave
noun
: a wave (as a sound wave) in which the propagated disturbance is a variation of pressure in a material medium (as air)
More from Merriam-Webster on pressure wave
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pressure wave
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