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Webster 1913 Edition


Undulation

Unˊdu-la′tion

,
Noun.
[Cf. F.
ondulation
.]
1.
The act of undulating; a waving motion or vibration;
as, the
undulations
of a fluid, of water, or of air; the
undulations
of sound
.
2.
A wavy appearance or outline; waviness.
Evelyn.
3.
(Mus.)
(a)
The tremulous tone produced by a peculiar pressure of the finger on a string, as of a violin.
(b)
The pulsation caused by the vibrating together of two tones not quite in unison; – called also
beat
.
4.
(Physics)
A motion to and fro, up and down, or from side to side, in any fluid or elastic medium, propagated continuously among its particles, but with no translation of the particles themselves in the direction of the propagation of the wave; a wave motion; a vibration.

Webster 1828 Edition


Undulation

UNDULA'TION

,
Noun.
[from undulate.]
1.
A waving motion or vibration; as the undulations of a fluid, of water or air; the undulations of sound. The undulations of a fluid are propagated in concentric circles.
2.
In medicine, a particular uneasy sensation of an undulatory motion in the heart.
3.
In music, a rattling or jarring of sounds, as when discordant notes are sounded together. It is called also beat.
4.
In surgery, a certain motion of the matter of an abscess when pressed, which indicates its maturity or fitness for opening.

Definition 2024


undulation

undulation

English

Noun

undulation (plural undulations)

  1. an instance or act of undulating
  2. a wavy appearance or outline; waviness
  3. (music) a tremulous tone produced by a peculiar pressure of the finger on a string
  4. a wavelike curve; a smooth and regular rise and fall
  5. a wavelike motion of the air; electromagnetic radiation

Derived terms

Translations

References

  • undulation in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913