sine wave

noun

: a waveform that represents periodic oscillations in which the amplitude of displacement at each point is proportional to the sine of the phase angle of the displacement and that is visualized as a sine curve : sine curve
also : a wave so represented

Examples of sine wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Researchers around the world spotted an unusual oscillating sine wave sketched across seismographs. — Darren Orf, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025 In the second, DC power from the first stage is converted to a high-frequency AC square wave (think of a classic sine wave but with a square shape rather than, well, a sinuous one) by a circuit known as an inverter. — Wally Rippel, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Mar. 2025 The gusts had ripped apart some trees and toppled part of his fence, forcing it into the shape of a sine wave. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025 Instead, life is far more likely to follow a sine wave pattern, up and down, while hopefully trending higher. — Harry Kraemer, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sine wave

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sine wave was in 1893

Rhymes for sine wave

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Browse Nearby Words

sinew
sine wave
sinew-backed bow
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sine wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sine%20wave. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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