Definition

Noun: A radio wave with a wavelength shorter than 100 meters (corresponding to a frequency higher than 3 megahertz). Short waves can travel long distances by reflecting off the Earth's ionosphere, making them suitable for international broadcasting and communication.

Usage

The term "short wave" is used to describe a specific type of radio transmission and the equipment or bands associated with it. It is commonly used as a noun, often in the context of broadcasting, radio technology, and amateur (ham) radio operations.

Examples

• Many international broadcasters, like the BBC World Service, transmit their programs via short wave.
• My grandfather used to listen to news from around the world on his short wave radio.
• Amateur radio operators often communicate across continents using the short wave bands.
• The signal quality on short wave can vary greatly depending on atmospheric conditions.

Advanced Usage

• "To listen to short wave": This phrase describes the activity of tuning into short wave radio broadcasts.
  • During the blackout, people relied on battery-powered radios to listen to short wave for information.
• "Short wave propagation": A technical term referring to how short wave radio signals travel through the atmosphere.
  • Solar flares can significantly disrupt short wave propagation.

Variants and Related Words

• Shortwave (adj): Often written as one word when used as an adjective.
  • He is a passionate shortwave radio listener.
  • I bought a new shortwave receiver.
• Shortwave radio (n): A compound noun referring to the radio receiver itself.
  • She collects vintage shortwave radios.

Synonyms

• HF (High Frequency): The technical designation for the radio frequency range from 3 to 30 MHz, which encompasses the short wave bands.
  • The amateur radio operator was transmitting on the HF band.

Antonyms / Contrast

• Long wave: A radio wave with a wavelength longer than 1,000 meters (a frequency below 300 kHz).
• Medium wave: A radio wave with a wavelength between 100 and 1,000 meters (a frequency between 300 kHz and 3 MHz), commonly used for AM radio broadcasting.

Related Phrases

• Short wave band / SW band: Refers to a specific range of frequencies allocated for short wave communication.
  • Let's check the 31-meter short wave band for the broadcast.
• Short wave listener (SWL): A person who actively listens to short wave radio broadcasts as a hobby.
  • As an SWL, he logs stations from over 100 countries.

Noun

1. a radio wave with a wavelength less than 100 meters (a frequency greater than 3 megahertz)