| Term: | transverse wave |
| Definition: |
A transverse wave is a wave that causes vibration in the medium in a perpendicular direction to its own motion. For example: if a wave moves along the x-axis, its disturbances are in the yz-plane. In other words, it causes medium disturbances across the two-dimensional plane that it is travelling in. Contrary to popular belief, transversal waves do not necessarily move up and down. |