wave model

proper noun

A model of language change in which an innovation gradually spreads outward from its region of origin.

Similar
Wellentheoriewave theory
OriginGerman Wellentheorie →
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Meanings

proper nounthe wave model
  1. historicalhuman sciencesA model of language change in which an innovation gradually spreads outward from its region of origin.

    Synonyms: Wellentheorie, wave theory

Synonyms & antonyms

proper nounA model of language change in which an innovation gradually spreads outward from its region of origin.

Similar
Wellentheoriewave theory
Also see
wave theorywellentheorie

Origin

  1. GermanWellentheorie
  2. Englishwave model

Calque of German Wellentheorie.

More words from German

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Czech vlnová teorie
  • vlnová teorieTranslations
Cite this entry
APA

wave model. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/wave%20model

MLA

“wave model.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/wave%20model. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “wave model,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/wave%20model.

Source: wave model on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.