shortwave

The noun is derived from short (adjective) +‎ wave (noun).^[1]

The adjective is from an attributive use of the noun. The adverb is also derived from the noun.^[1]

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

• Audio (General American):

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• Hyphenation: short‧wave

shortwave (plural shortwaves)

2. (physics, telecommunications) An 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.

   Synonyms: decameter wave, (initialism) SW

   Coordinate terms: longwave, (initialism) LW, mediumwave, microwave, (initialism) MW

   Shortwaves are longer than microwaves.

   1. (meteorology) Downward radiation in the shortwave (noun sense 1) frequency range which enters the Earth's atmosphere.
      • 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:

        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.

      • 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:

        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.

      • 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:

        [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.

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

         Many stations broadcast on shortwaves.

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

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

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

• short-wave, short wave

• ultrashortwave

shortwave (not comparable) (radio, telecommunications)

1. Of a radio wave: having a wavelength of between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to a frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz.
2. Of radio equipment: capable of receiving or transmitting radio signals at wavelengths in the above range.

• longwave
• mediumwave
• microwave

shortwave (not comparable)

1. (radio, telecommunications) Using radio waves having wavelengths of between 10 and 100 metres, corresponding to frequencies between 3 and 30 megahertz.

• shortwave radio on Wikipedia.Wikipedia