wave number

noun

: the number of waves per unit distance of radiant energy of a given wavelength : the reciprocal of the wavelength

Examples of wave number in a Sentence

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Douglas Felix also obtained the right answer, introducing the important concept of the wave number. Quanta Magazine, 26 July 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wave number was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near wave number

Cite this Entry

“Wave number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wave%20number. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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