shortwave

[ shawrt-weyv ]
/ ˈʃɔrtˈweɪv /

noun

Electricity. a radio wave shorter than that used in AM broadcasting, corresponding to frequencies of over 1600 kilohertz: used for long-distance reception or transmission.
shortwave radio.
Physics. a wave of electromagnetic radiation equal in length to, or shorter than, the wavelength of visible light.

adjective

of, relating to, or using shortwaves.

verb (used with or without object), short·waved, short·wav·ing.

to transmit by shortwaves.

Origin of shortwave

First recorded in 1900–05; short + wave

Words nearby shortwave

shorts, shortsighted, shortsightedness, shortstop, shortwall, shortwave, shortwave diathermy, shortwave radio, shortweight, shorty, shosholoza

British Dictionary definitions for short wave

short wave

noun

  1. a radio wave with a wavelength in the range 10–100 metres
  2. (as modifier)a short-wave broadcast

Scientific definitions for short wave

shortwave
[ shôrt′wāv′ ]

A radio wave with a frequency between 5.9 megahertz and 26.1 megahertz. Shortwaves broadcast from the Earth's surface are reflected by the upper atmosphere and can travel great distances around the planet. The shortwave band of the electromagnetic spectrum is used for amateur radio communications.