Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

shortwave

/ˈʃoɹtˌweɪv/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.51 in modern English

Syllables: short-wave
IPA: /ˈʃoɹtˌweɪv/

18

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

An electromagnetic wave with a relatively short wavelength; specifically, one with a wavelength generally between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to a frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz.

noun

An electromagnetic wave with a relatively short wavelength; specifically, one with a wavelength generally between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to a frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz.

noun

An electromagnetic wave with a relatively short wavelength; specifically, one with a wavelength generally between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to a frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz.

noun

An electromagnetic wave with a relatively short wavelength; specifically, one with a wavelength generally between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to a frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz.

adj

Of a radio wave: having a wavelength of between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to a frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz.

adj

Of radio equipment: capable of receiving or transmitting radio signals at wavelengths in the above range.

adv

Using radio waves having wavelengths of between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to frequencies between 3 and 30 megahertz.

Example Sentences

"Shortwaves are longer than microwaves."
"Shortwave fadeout data for the period 1955 through 1969 were analyzed and correlated with solar flare data for the same period. […] Some doubt is cast on the quality of the shortwave fadeout data during the early part of the period considered."
"We often think of these surface radiative fluxes in terms of the two broad spectral bands that we have discussed before: shortwave fluxes and longwave fluxes. […] Blue parts of the shortwave radiance are more diffuse than are the red parts of that spectral band."
"[O]nly about half of solar radiation reaching the Earth's atmosphere reaches Earth's surface. The sum of shortwave and longwave radiation reaching Earth's surface is global radiation."
"Many stations broadcast on shortwaves."
"The fun of listening to shortwave while in a car or boat is diminished by spark-plug noise created while the engine is running."

Etymology

The noun is derived from short (adjective) + wave (noun). The adjective is from an attributive use of the noun. The adverb is also derived from the noun.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈʃoɹtˌweɪv/
British English: /ˈʃɔːtweɪv/

Inflected Forms

shortwaves (plural) short-wave (alternative) short wave (alternative)

Derived Forms

ultrashortwave

Phrases

extremely low frequency high frequency super high frequency ultra high frequency ultra low frequency very high frequency

Frequently Paired Words

extremely low frequency high frequency super high frequency ultra high frequency ultra low frequency very high frequency longwave LW

Synonyms

decameter wave SW

Homonyms

short wave

Rhymes With

gave save they've wave dave brave slave grave cave behave shave rave

Questions

How do you pronounce shortwave?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈʃoɹtˌweɪv/.
What does shortwave mean?: An electromagnetic wave with a relatively short wavelength; specifically, one with a wavelength generally between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to a frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz.
Where does shortwave come from?: The noun is derived from short (adjective) + wave (noun). The adjective is from an attributive use of the noun. The adverb is also derived from the noun.

How to pronounce shortwave

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “shortwave”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈʃoɹtˌweɪv/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
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