noun
smaller waves; lesser waves
Refers to relatively small or gentle waves, often contrasted with larger waves (男波). Used in poetic or descriptive contexts about the sea.
女波が静かに砂浜に打ち寄せる。
Small waves gently lap against the sandy beach.
男波 refers to larger, rougher waves, often contrasted with 女波 (smaller waves).
Compound of 女 (me, 'woman') and 波 (nami, 'wave'), literally 'woman wave', implying gentler or smaller waves. The exact origin of this metaphorical usage is uncertain.