| standing wave n. A wave characterized by lack of vibration at certain points, between which areas of maximum vibration occur periodically. Standing waves are produced whenever a wave is confined within boundaries, as in the vibrating string of a musical instrument. Also called stationary wave. |
standing wave (st n d ng) A wave that oscillates in place, without transmitting energy along its extent. Standing waves tend to have stable points, called nodes, where there is no oscillation. Examples of standing waves include the vibration of a violin string and electron orbitals in an atom. Also called stationary wave. See also harmonic oscillator. |
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| Noun | 1. | standing wave - a wave (as a sound wave in a chamber or an electromagnetic wave in a transmission line) in which the ratio of its instantaneous amplitude at one point to that at any other point does not vary with time undulation, wave - (physics) a movement up and down or back and forth |
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