Groundwave

/ˈɡraʊndweɪv/ noun

Definition

A radio wave that travels close to the earth's surface rather than bouncing off the atmosphere.

Etymology

From ground + wave. Radio/telecommunications term from the 20th century describing wave propagation methods.

Kelly Says

Groundwaves are why AM radio stations can be heard far away at night but not as far during the day—atmospheric conditions change how the earth redirects radio waves, a phenomenon that baffled early radio engineers.

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