wave theory
noun
Also called undulatory theory. Physics.
the theory that light is transmitted as a wave, similar to oscillations in magnetic and electric fields.
Compare corpuscular theory.
Historical Linguistics.
a theory that accounts for shared features among languages or dialects by identifying these features as innovations that spread from their points of origin to the speech of contiguous areas.
Compare
family-tree theory.
Origin of wave theory
First recorded in 1825–35
Words nearby wave theory
wave number,
wave of the future,
wave power,
wave speed,
wave tank,
wave theory,
wave train,
wave trap,
wave-and-pay,
wave-cut platform,
wave-form
Example sentences from the Web for wave theory
Kepler's laws were the result of indefatigable guessing, and so, in a somewhat different sense, was the wave-theory of light.
The Unseen World and Other Essays |John FiskeMiss Nightingale, however, did not allow herself to be tempted into inactivity by this wave-theory.
The Life of Florence Nightingale vol. 2 of 2 |Edward Tyas Cook
British Dictionary definitions for wave theory
wave theory
noun
the theory proposed by Huygens that light is transmitted by waves
any theory that light or other radiation is transmitted as waves
See electromagnetic wave
Compare
corpuscular theory