​A wave that travels from one place to another.

​​progressive wave

​The transfer of energy in circular paths.

​​orbital wave

​The time it takes for a wave to move the distance of one wavelength.

​​period

​The number of waves passing a fixed point in one second.

​​frequency

​The energy that causes a wave to form.

​​disturbing force

​The dominant force trying to return water to flatness after formation of a wave.

​​restoring force

​Any wave traveling through water deeper than one-half its wavelength.

deep-water wave

​Any wave traveling through water shallower than one-twentieth its wavelength.

shallow-water wave

​A heavy sea wave that breaks into white foam on the shore.

breaker

T​he distance that the wind has traveled across open water.

​​fetch

​The combination of two or more waves that results in a single wave.

​​interference

​A freak wave created by constructive interference that is much higher than the calculated maximum.

rogue wave

​Tsunami-like standing wave in a body of water, such as a lake, pond, or reservoir.

seiche

​Long-wavelength wave caused by rapid displacement of water. It is always considered to be a shallow-water wave as it is always traveling through water less than one-twentieth its wavelength.

tsunami