Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
ground wave

ground wave

7.0
A radio wave that travels along the Earth's surface and follows its curve
  • noun
  • /ɡraʊnd weɪv/
  • Specialized
translation icon : onda terrestre
  • The ground wave can travel much farther than other types.

Examples

  • Unlike sky waves, a ground wave follows the curvature of the Earth.

  • A ground wave can be affected by terrain, especially hills and bodies of water.

  • Many AM radio stations rely on ground wave propagation during the day for long-distance transmission.

  • Many radio stations rely on ground waves for local broadcasts.

  • The radio station transmitted its signal via a ground wave that could be received by listeners across the local area.

  • During the storm, the ground wave allowed the emergency broadcast to reach people who had lost other forms of communication.

  • Unlike satellite signals, ground waves can travel effectively over large distances by following the contours of the Earth.

Surface Forms

ground wave singular
ground waves plural

Morphology

ground + wave

The noun-noun compound is directly compositional: 'ground' + 'wave' straightforwardly suggests a wave that travels along or near the earth's surface, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the basic meaning. Although used as a technical radio term, the relation is literal and cross-linguistically common, making it accessible to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Ground wave paints a clear picture: a wave that stays close to the ground, following hills and coastlines. That's why the term means 'a radio wave that travels along or near the Earth's surface'.