primary wave

noun

Seismology. P wave.

Origin of primary wave

First recorded in 1915–20

Words nearby primary wave

primary tuberculosis, primary type, primary union, primary verb, primary wall, primary wave, primary xylem, primarying, primate, primate of all england, primate of england

Scientific definitions for primary wave

primary wave

A type of seismic body wave in which rock particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel. Primary waves are alternatingly compressional and extensional, and cause the rocks they pass through to change in volume. These waves are the fastest traveling seismic waves and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. Also called P wave See Note at earthquake.