# capillary wave

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A wave at a fluid boundary dominated by surface tension (opposed to larger waves dominated by gravity), a ripple.

## Etymology
So named because the wave propagation is due to similar physical principles to those involved in capillary action.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/capillary-wave