wave definition

<programming language>

<robotics> A robotics language.

["WAVE: A Model-Based Language for Manipulator Control", R.P. Paul, Ind Robot 4(1):10-17, 1979].

(01 Feb 1996)

1. An advancing ridge or swell on the surface of a liquid, as of the sea, resulting from the oscillatory motion of the particles composing it when disturbed by any force their position of rest; an undulation. "The wave behind impels the wave before." (Pope)

2. <physics> A vibration propagated from particle to particle through a body or elastic medium, as in the transmission of sound; an assemblage of vibrating molecules in all phases of a vibration, with no phase repeated; a wave of vibration; an undulation. See Undulation.

3. Water; a body of water. "Deep drank Lord Marmion of the wave." "Build a ship to save thee from the flood, I 'll furnish thee with fresh wave, bread, and wine." (Chapman)

4. Unevenness; inequality of surface.

5. A waving or undulating motion; a signal made with the hand, a flag, etc.

6. The undulating line or streak of luster on cloth watered, or calendered, or on damask steel.

7. A swelling or excitement of thought, feeling, or energy; a tide; as, waves of enthusiasm.

<physics> Wave front See Undulatory theory, under Undulatory.

Origin: From Wave,; not the same word as OE. Wawe, waghe, a wave, which is akin to E. Wag to move. See Wave.

(01 Mar 1998)