also: じゅうは
noun
longitudinal wave
Physics term for a wave where the oscillation is parallel to the direction of propagation, such as sound waves in air. Contrasts with 横波 (transverse wave).
See also: 横波 (よこなみ)
音波は縦波の一種です。
Sound waves are a type of longitudinal wave.
縦波と横波の違いを説明してください。
Please explain the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves.
Transverse wave; oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of propagation, e.g., light waves or waves on a string.
Compound of 縦 (vertical/longitudinal) and 波 (wave). The reading たてなみ is the native Japanese (kun'yomi) reading, while じゅうは is the Sino-Japanese (on'yomi) reading.