Definition

A WAVE that continues to exist after the generating force has ceased to act, in contrast with a FORCED WAVE that is generated and maintained by a con­tinuous force. A free wave on a water surface is one created by a sudden impulse, thereafter influenced only by fric­tion, the dimensions of the BASIN, and the dispersive charac­ter of the water medium it moves in. Most ocean surface waves except TIDAL WAVES are free waves. See OSCILLATI­ON.