shortwave

noun

1. 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.

   “Shortwaves are longer than microwaves.”

2. 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.

   “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.”

3. 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.

   “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.”

4. 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.

   “Finally in all the crackle and noise of the short-wave one of our men made contact with another boat.”

adj

1. (not-comparable)Of a radio wave: having a wavelength of between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to a frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz.
2. (not-comparable)Of radio equipment: capable of receiving or transmitting radio signals at wavelengths in the above range.

adv

1. (not-comparable)Using radio waves having wavelengths of between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to frequencies between 3 and 30 megahertz.