shortwave

• short-wave

short +‎ wave

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈʃɔːtˌweɪv/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈʃoɹtˌweɪv/

• Audio (US)

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shortwave (not comparable)

1. (of radio waves) Having a wavelength of approximately 10 to 100 meters.
2. (of radio equipment) Capable of transmitting or receiving signals at such a wavelength.

• SW

• microwave, mediumwave, longwave, radio wave
• radio frequency, HF, VHF, UHF, SHF

shortwave (plural shortwaves)

1. (physics) An electromagnetic wave having a wavelength between approximately 10 and 100 meters, corresponding to frequencies between 3 and 30 MHz.

   Shortwaves are longer than microwaves.

2. (colloquial, usually in the plural) Any frequency in this range, especially when used in broadcasting.
   • 1972, Len Buckwalter, 99 Ways to Improve Your Shortwave Listening, page 90:

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

   Many stations broadcast on shortwaves.

3. (meteorology) Downward radiation entering the earth's atmosphere that is in the shortwave frequency range.
   • 1973, Richard G. Hendl, Statistical Analysis of Shortwave Fadeout Occurrence for the Years 1955 to 1969:

     Some doubt is cast on the quality of the shortwave fadeout data during the early part of the period considered.

   • 1995, Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document., page 214:

     A concise review is presented for the algorithm that has been tentatively selected to produce simulated net shortwave surface fluxes from measured TOA radiances.

   • 1996, 1986 Daily Daylight Cloud Fraction, Shortwave Surface Radiation, and Transmittance for 502 Sites, page 1:

     Shortwave radiative fluxes that reach the earth's surface are key factors that influence atmospheric and oceanic circulations as well as surface climate.

• (wave): decameter wave
• (frequency): high frequency, HF