| 1. | Astronomy, Physics. gravitational wave. |
| 2. | a wave created by the action of gravity on local variations in the density of a stratified fluid, as the atmosphere, or at an interface between fluids of different density, as a liquid and a gas. |
| (in general relativity) a propagating wave of gravitational energy produced by accelerating masses, esp. during catastrophic events, as the gravitational collapse of massive stars. |
| gravitational wave n. A hypothetical wave that is held to propagate the force of gravity and to travel at the speed of light. Also called gravity wave. |
| gravity wave n. See gravitational wave. |