extraordinary wave

noun

, Radio.

1. (of the two waves into which a radio wave is divided in the ionosphere under the influence of the earth's magnetic field) the wave with characteristics different from those that the undivided wave would have exhibited in the absence of the magnetic field.

Word History and Origins

Origin of extraordinary wave¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The extraordinary wave of 2024 elections, which encompasses seven of the world’s 10 largest countries — Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia and the U.S. — along with other prominent nations such as Iran, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea and the U.K., comes as the erosion of democracy, or “autocratization,” in V-Dem’s language, continues in many different places.

From Salon

Mr. Henry’s resignation brought more uncertainty to an already chaotic situation on the Caribbean island, which has been overtaken in recent months by an extraordinary wave of gang violence.

From New York Times

These ingredients that have helped make Ecuador an increasingly major player in the global drug trade have also unleashed an extraordinary wave of violence, transforming life for millions of everyday Ecuadoreans.

From New York Times

Canada has struggled to fight back against the extraordinary wave of fires, which have overwhelmed local resources and forced thousands of people to evacuate.

From New York Times

Canada has struggled to fight back against the extraordinary wave of fires, which have overwhelmed local resources and forced thousands of people to evacuate.

From New York Times