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wavelike

wavelike

1 5.0
Having a smooth up-and-down shape like small ripples
  • adjective
  • /ˈweɪvˌlaɪk/
translation icon : ondulante
  • The wavelike facade of Alvar Aalto's Baker House at MIT is a theoretical allusion to the Charles.
  • wavelike motion

Examples

  • While the black box is rectangular, measuring 11.4 x 4.9 x 2.2 inches, one corner on each end is higher than the other, creating a wavelike shape on the top.

    Blog text (19)
  • The sky extends before me on the horizon like an interminable strip of golden sand, caressed by wavelike clouds.

  • Part f of the figure shows multiple small domains of wavelike structures.

    Academic text (1995)
  • In fact, they felt they could show that no regular periodic wavelike solutions to the equations were possible.

    Academic text (2005)
  • OK, So we've established now the wavelike properties of radiation.

  • His muscles quivered in wavelike spasms down his sides.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • The wavelike structure of the cement-coated surface alludes to the flow of the Osun River.

    Academic text (2009)
  • See the facets of the amethyst play with the light, glittering when I move in the smooth wavelike motions of a snake.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Similarly, in the hallways between galleries, there are rolling wavelike walls juxtaposed with mundane corporate-carpet flooring.

    Academic text (2006)
  • His muscles quivered in wavelike spasms down his sides.

Synonyms

wavy
vswavelike
16 1.3

Having soft, regular curves like small waves, not straight

is used more generally for uneven or moving shapes, not only neat curves
undulant
vswavelike
1 8.7

Wavy shape or movement like waves

is often used to describe uneven or undulating appearance or movement
undulatory
vswavelike
8.7

Having a smooth, wavy shape like gentle waves

is broader and covers wave appearance or stronger motions not only gentle curves
wavery
vswavelike
6.4

A line or surface that goes up and down in smooth curves

includes both appearance and motion, not only static outlines or surfaces
rippled
vswavelike
3.2

With small, gentle waves on the surface, like water or cloth

describes wave appearance or motion more broadly, not limited to tiny surface waves

Antonyms

797 1.0

Level and even without parts higher or lower

256 1.0

A surface that is even and not rough

How Wavy

wavy
16 1.3
wavelike
1 5.0
rippling
1 2.3
uneven
42 2.3
flat
797 1.0

Surface Forms

wavelike positive

Morphology

wavelike = wave (transparent) = wave + like

Direct and regular formation: 'wave' + '-like' yields 'resembling a wave', which a B1 learner can deduce.

Etymology

Wavelike is made from wave, meaning 'a moving rise of water', and the ending -like, meaning 'similar to', so it describes something that looks or moves like a wave, for example rolling grass or a dancer's flowing arms.