continuous wave

[ kuhn-tin-yoo-uhs weyv ]

noun

, Telecommunications.

1. an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency: used to carry information by being modulated, as in radio or television, or by being interrupted as in radiotelegraphy. : CW

adjective

1. Also continuous-wave. noting a machine or device that functions through a constant and controlled output of waves, as of light from a laser, sound from an ultrasound, or radio energy from radar. : CW

Word History and Origins

Origin of continuous wave¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

These machines take the math exercise that is a digital signal and turn it into the continuous wave that is analog.

From Washington Post

Aeva’s sensor works on a principle called frequency modulated continuous wave, or FMCW, which is different from rivals such as Velodyne Lidar and Luminar Technologies.

From Reuters

But for 2025, Mobileye is developing its own lidar sensor that works on a principle called frequency modulated continuous wave, or FMCW, which is different from Luminar’s technology.

From Reuters

But for 2025, Mobileye is developing its own lidar sensor that works on a principle called frequency modulated continuous wave, or FMCW, which is different from Luminar’s technology.

From Reuters

Aeva’s sensor uses frequency modulated continuous wave, or FMCW, technology which can also detect the speed of distant objects, differentiating between stationary ones like trees from moving objects like bikes.

From Reuters