wave number

noun

1. the number of waves in one centimeter of light in a given wavelength; the reciprocal of the wavelength.

wave number

noun

1. physics the reciprocal of the wavelength of a wave νσ

wave number

1. The number of wave cycles per unit distance for a wave of a given wavelength.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wave number¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Still, even when a wave number-5 system is present in the atmosphere, the overall risk of a US heat wave is still small, she adds.

From Scientific American

The existence of a strong wave number-5 pattern increases the chances of a heat wave to only 6% — not enough to allow meaningful warnings.

From Scientific American

The next step toward eventually producing that kind of advance forecast is to pinpoint the conditions that create wave number-5 patterns, says Schubert.

From Scientific American

The analysis revealed that major heat waves were four times more likely to develop after a strong wave number-5 system formed at mid-latitudes.

From Scientific American