Antiphase

/ˈæn.tiˌfeɪz/ noun

Definition

In physics or engineering, a state where two waves or oscillations are 180 degrees out of phase with each other, so their peaks and troughs are opposite.

Etymology

From Greek 'anti' (opposite) + 'phase' (from Greek 'phasis' meaning appearance/stage). The term emerged in physics as scientists studied wave behavior in the 1800s.

Kelly Says

Noise-canceling headphones work by creating 'antiphase' sound waves that perfectly cancel out ambient noise—it's like mathematical magic where two sounds add up to silence!

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