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wave theory
noun
: a theory in physics: light is transmitted from luminous bodies to the eye and other objects by an undulatory movement
called also undulatory theory
Examples of wave theory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On July 4, 2012, scientists at the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, located 328 feet below the France-Switzerland border outside Geneva, announced that the existence of the Higgs boson — a wave theory first proposed in 1964 — had been proven.
—Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2024
Physicists had been unable to explain this phenomenon with classical wave theory, so Einstein introduced a new concept: the quantization of light.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023
Is this golden wave theory a thing?
—Martha Sorren, refinery29.com, 9 May 2021
Of the many interpretations of quantum theory, pilot wave theory is unique in that Valentini has found a way in which it might be experimentally tested.
—Tim Folger, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2017
But not everyone in the mainstream media rode along with the red wave theory.
—Doyle McManuswashington Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2023
Pilot wave theory explains the strange two-slit experiment: A particle always goes through one slit or the other; at the same time its pilot wave travels through both slits.
—Tim Folger, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2017
The amazing breadth of his contributions stand out even today, ranging from his work on the science of electricity and the wave theory of light to demography, meteorology, physical oceanography and even behavioral science.
—Nick Pyenson, Scientific American, 16 Nov. 2020
This year's first place image -- showing silicone oil droplets bouncing continuously above a petri dish of vibrating oil-- was taken by the physicist Dr. Aleks Labuda and demonstrates a theory called pilot wave theory.
—Rory Sullivan, CNN, 9 Dec. 2019
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Word History
First Known Use
1833, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near wave theory
Cite this Entry
“Wave theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wave%20theory. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
wave theory
noun
: a theory in physics: light is transmitted from luminous bodies to the eye and other objects by an undulatory movement
called also undulatory theory
More from Merriam-Webster on wave theory
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wave theory
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