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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The political and economic pressure wave of this is changing the landscape in weeks, not years. Clem Chambers, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Tonga’s pressure wave dispatched anomalous electric currents through the ionosphere. Carly Miller, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 Thunderstorms and hurricanes can create pressure waves that find their way to the ionosphere. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 2 Aug. 2024 Another pressure wave hit in late afternoon November 21, lifting the ship's stern. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for pressure wave 

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pressure wave was in 1942

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 5 Nov. 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

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