undulation

USAGE SUMMARY

"undulation" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe the movement or behavior of something that is repetitive, and usually curved or wavy. Example sentence: The undulation of the waves against the shore created a peaceful atmosphere.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

In an undulation of forested hills running west from the town of Aracena towards the Portuguese border, the reserve not only protects the environment but also the region's famed hams, goat's and sheep's cheeses, wild flower honey, wild fungi and nuts from the sweet-chestnut woods.

The Guardian - Travel

Locomotion is by the rapid undulation of the outer edges of the fins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Heavy-bodied snakes such as pythons and certain rattlesnakes can move forward without undulation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rossby wave, in meteorology, large horizontal atmospheric undulation that is associated with the polar-front jet stream and separates cold polar air from warm tropical air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The "high walk" of these animals employs the quadrupedal limb-movement sequence with only a slight lateral undulation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Snakes, like fishes and eels, swim by lateral undulation, which is essentially identical to serpentine locomotion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Camel's Hump was frozen on the horizon or snapped mid-undulation.

The New Yorker

One can never be sure a horse will cope with Epsom's cambers and undulations until they run here but his size, action and attitude suggest there should not be a problem.

The Guardian - Sport

One metre is the distance that light travels in one second, divided by 299,792,458; and one second lasts for precisely 9,192,631,770 undulations of the light wave that a caesium-133 atom emits when it is coaxed to switch from one particular state to another.

The Economist

A surface of silicon was revealed as a land of gentle, steadily rising undulations, in which the track of the probe could be seen like furrows dug with a plough.

The Economist

As the flow has faltered, the undulations of the jet stream have become more marked, with gentle waves turning into bigger loops.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing landscapes, use "undulation" to convey a sense of gentle rolling hills or terrain.

Common error

Avoid using "undulation" when a simpler term like "wave" or "curve" would suffice. "Undulation" is most effective when conveying a complex, rhythmic, or extended wave-like motion, whereas the others are appropriate for simpler patterns.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "undulation" is that of a noun. It commonly refers to a wave-like motion or form. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating its use in describing both physical phenomena and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undulation" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a wave-like motion or form. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it is used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific texts, with a generally neutral to formal register. According to Ludwig, the word is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's a versatile term that describes both physical and abstract patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wave motion

Focuses specifically on the motion aspect of a wave.

wavelike movement

Emphasizes the similarity to a wave in terms of motion.

oscillating pattern

Highlights the back-and-forth movement in a regular rhythm.

rhythmic rise and fall

Focuses on the repetitive up-and-down movement.

flowing curve

Describes a smooth, continuous bend or arc.

serpentine movement

Suggests a winding, snake-like motion.

rolling motion

Emphasizes a continuous, turning movement.

fluctuating pattern

Highlights the irregular changes or variations.

rippling effect

Focuses on the creation of small waves or wrinkles.

successive crests and troughs

Specifically refers to the high and low points of a wave pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "undulation" in a sentence?

You can use "undulation" to describe a wave-like motion, such as "The "undulation of the sea"" or "the "undulation of the land"".

What are some synonyms for "undulation"?

Some synonyms for "undulation" include "wave motion", "oscillation", and "ripple". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "undulation" a formal word?

"Undulation" is a relatively formal word that can be used in academic, scientific, and literary contexts. In more casual settings, simpler terms like "wave" or "curve" might be more appropriate.

Can "undulation" describe non-physical things?

Yes, "undulation" can be used metaphorically to describe non-physical phenomena that exhibit wave-like patterns, such as the "undulation of the market" or the "undulation of public opinion".