Langimage
English

wavefront

|wave-front|

C1

/ˈweɪvˌfrʌnt/

leading edge of a wave

Etymology
Etymology Information

'wavefront' originates from the combination of 'wave' and 'front', where 'wave' refers to a moving ridge or swell on the surface of a liquid, and 'front' refers to the foremost part or surface of something.

Historical Evolution

'wavefront' was formed by combining the words 'wave' and 'front' in English, reflecting its meaning as the leading edge of a wave.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'the leading edge of a wave', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the leading edge of a moving wave, often used in physics to describe the propagation of waves, such as light or sound.

The wavefront of the tsunami reached the shore within minutes.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/02 23:46