sound wave

noun

1
2
sound waves plural : longitudinal pressure waves in any material medium regardless of whether they constitute audible sound
earthquake waves and ultrasonic waves are sometimes called sound waves

Examples of sound wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Ultrasound: This noninvasive test uses sound waves and echoes to produce pictures of internal organs. Doru Paul, Health, 10 Jan. 2025 To make the diagnosis, a specialist called a urologist will perform a scrotal ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the testicle. Matthew Wosnitzer, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2025 Secondly, the petals excel at scattering sound waves, making the particles easier to image via ultrasound (they can also be coated with light-absorbing molecules, boosting their visibility via optoacoustic imaging). Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2024 Here's a pretty cool gadget for the woman who has way, way more jewelry than shoes: a case that uses ultrasonic sound waves to shake off dirt and grime from her necklaces, watches, glasses, and more. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sound wave 

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sound wave was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near sound wave

Cite this Entry

“Sound wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sound%20wave. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

sound wave

noun
1
2
sound waves plural : longitudinal pressure waves especially when transmitting audible sound

More from Merriam-Webster on sound wave

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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