sine wave

noun

, Physics.

1. a periodic oscillation, as simple harmonic motion, having the same geometric representation as a sine function.

sine wave

noun

1. any oscillation, such as a sound wave or alternating current, whose waveform is that of a sine curve

Word History and Origins

Origin of sine wave¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

“I said, ’Cause, man, No. 1: we sculpt an electronic signal into a sine wave that’s smooth, or a sawtooth, which is rough.

From Los Angeles Times

The room in the film is lined with windows that resemble filmstrips and the moving images are accompanied by a rising tone produced by a sine wave generator.

From New York Times

“I switched to mathematics when I tried unsuccessfully for 45 minutes to get an oscilloscope to show a sine wave.”

From New York Times

One model put forth in 1990 assumed riders rock backward and forward at a constant frequency in simple sinusoidal motion—meaning the movement makes the shape of a sine wave in time.

From Science Magazine

It also uses a pure sine wave inverter which is better for your gear.

From The Verge