WordNet
solitary wave
n. (physics) a quantum of energy or quasiparticle that can be propagated as a traveling wave in nonlinear systems and is neither preceded nor followed by another such disturbance; does not obey the superposition principle and does not dissipate; "soliton waves can travel long distances with little loss of energy or structure" [syn: soliton, soliton wave]
Wikipedia
Solitary wave
In mathematics and physics, a solitary wave can refer to
- The solitary wave (water waves) or wave of translation, as observed by John Scott Russell in 1834, the prototype for a soliton.
- A soliton, a generalization of the wave of translation to general systems of partial differential equations
- A topological defect, a generalization of the idea of a soliton to any system which is stable against decay due to homotopy theory
Usage examples of "solitary wave".
Although the solitary wave carried within it uncountable gigawatts of energy, Jon and the Spindrift were quite safe.
Tidal forces had created a great soliton, a solitary wave over a kilometer high that was sweeping around the whole girth of Opal.