shortwave

plural shortwaves · alternative short-wave · alternative short wave

1. communicationsAn 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.

   Synonyms: decameter wave, SW

   1. climatologyDownward radiation in the shortwave (noun sense 1) frequency range which enters the Earth's atmosphere.

      [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.

      2012, Viliam Novák, “Evapotranspiration: A Component of the Water Cycle”, in Evapotranspiration in the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere System (Progress in Soil Science), Dordrecht, South Holland; Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg: Springer, →DOI, →ISBN, page 11

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      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.

      1973 June 28, Richard G. Hendl, Robert A. Skrivanek, “Abstract”, in Statistical Analysis of Shortwave Fadeout Occurrence for the Years 1955 to 1969 (Environmental Research Papers; no. 452), L. G. Hanscom Field, Bedford, Mass.: Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories, Air Force Systems Command, United States Air Force, →OCLC, page iv

      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.

      1995 December, B. R. Barkstrom [et al.], “Empirical Estimates of Shortwave and Longwave Surface Radiation Budget involving CERES Measurements (Subsystem 4.6.0)”, in Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (NASA Reference Publication; 1376), volumes III (Cloud Analyses and Determination of Improved Top of Atmosphere Fluxes (Subsystem 4)), Hampton, Va.: Langley Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, →OCLC, page 208

      Synonyms: decameter wave, SW

   2. broadcastingA waveband comprising radio waves in the shortwave (noun sense 1) frequency range, especially when used in broadcasting.

      Many stations broadcast on shortwaves.

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      The fun of listening to shortwave while in a car or boat is diminished by spark-plug noise created while the engine is running.

      1972, Len Buckwalter, 99 Ways to Improve Your Shortwave Listening, Indianapolis, Ind.: H. W. Sams, →ISBN, page 90

      Synonyms: decameter wave, SW

   3. broadcastingIn full shortwave radio: a radio which is able to receive radio waves in the shortwave (noun sense 1) waveband.

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

      1941, John Steinbeck, chapter I, in The Log from the Sea of Cortez […], New York, N.Y.: The Viking Press, published 1951, →OCLC, page 7

      Synonyms: decameter wave, SW

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

1. not comparablebroadcastingUsing radio waves having wavelengths of between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to frequencies between 3 and 30 megahertz.