also: おうは
noun
transverse wave
Physics term for a wave where the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of travel. Contrasts with 縦波 (longitudinal wave).
See also: 縦波 (たてなみ)
光は横波の一種である。
Light is a type of transverse wave.
横波と縦波の違いを説明してください。
Please explain the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves.
noun
beam sea
Nautical term for waves coming from the side of a vessel, causing rolling motion.
横波を受けて船が大きく揺れた。
The ship rolled heavily in the beam sea.
縦波 is a longitudinal wave (oscillation parallel to travel direction), while 横波 is a transverse wave (perpendicular).
Compound of 横 (side, horizontal) and 波 (wave). The reading よこなみ is the standard kun'yomi combination; おうは is the on'yomi reading used in specialized contexts.