Wave front
(Physics),
the surface of initial displacement of the particles in a medium, as a wave of
vibration advances. — Wave length (Physics), the space, reckoned in the direction of propagation,
occupied by a complete wave or undulation, as of light, sound, etc.; the distance from a point or phase
in a wave to the nearest point at which the same phase occurs. - - Wave line (Shipbuilding), a line
of a vessel's hull, shaped in accordance with the wave-line system. — Wave-line system, Wave-line
theory (Shipbuilding), a system or theory of designing the lines of a vessel, which takes into consideration
the length and shape of a wave which travels at a certain speed. — Wave loaf, a loaf for a wave offering.
Lev. viii. 27. — Wave moth (Zoöl.), any one of numerous species of small geometrid moths belonging
to Acidalia and allied genera; — so called from the wavelike color markings on the wings. — Wave
offering, an offering made in the Jewish services by waving the object, as a loaf of bread, toward the
four cardinal points. Num. xviii. 11. — Wave of vibration (Physics), a wave which consists in, or
is occasioned by, the production and transmission of a vibratory state from particle to particle through
a body. — Wave surface. (a) (Physics) A surface of simultaneous and equal displacement of the
particles composing a wave of vibration. (b) (Geom.) A mathematical surface of the fourth order which,
upon certain hypotheses, is the locus of a wave surface of light in the interior of crystals. It is used in
explaining the phenomena of double refraction. See under Refraction. — Wave theory. (Physics)
See Undulatory theory, under Undulatory.
Waved
(Waved) a.
1. Exhibiting a wavelike form or outline; undulating; intended; wavy; as, waved edge.
2. Having a wavelike appearance; marked with wavelike lines of color; as, waved, or watered, silk.
3. (Her.) Having undulations like waves; — said of one of the lines in heraldry which serve as outlines
to the ordinaries, etc.
Waveless
(Wave"less) a. Free from waves; undisturbed; not agitated; as, the waveless sea.
Wavelet
(Wave"let) n. A little wave; a ripple.
Wavellite
(Wa"vel*lite) n. [After Dr. Wm. Wavel, the discoverer.] (Min.) A hydrous phosphate of alumina,
occurring usually in hemispherical radiated forms varying in color from white to yellow, green, or black.
Waver
(Wa"ver) v. i. [imp. & p. p. Wavered ; p. pr. & vb. n. Wavering.] [OE. waveren, from AS.
wæfre wavering, restless. See Wave, v. i.]
1. To play or move to and fro; to move one way and the other; hence, to totter; to reel; to swing; to flutter.
With banners and pennons wavering with the wind.
Ld. Berners.
Thou wouldst waver on one of these trees as a terror to all evil speakers against dignities.
Sir W. Scott. 2. To be unsettled in opinion; to vacillate; to be undetermined; to fluctuate; as, to water in judgment.
Let us hold fast . . . without wavering.
Heb. x. 23.
In feeble hearts, propense enough before
To waver, or fall off and join with idols.
Milton. Syn. — To reel; totter; vacillate. See Fluctuate.
Waver
(Wa"ver), n. [From Wave, or Waver, v.] A sapling left standing in a fallen wood. [Prov. Eng.]
Halliwell.
Waverer
(Wa"ver*er) n. One who wavers; one who is unsettled in doctrine, faith, opinion, or the like.
Shak.