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period The time over which an oscillating function repeats itself, as in the period of a wave or the period of a pendulum. In the case of a wave, it is the time it takes for successive crests to pass. In the case of a flashing light, it is the time it takes the flashing pattern to repeat itself. In tides, it is the time between successive high tides or successive low tides. Period used with water waves is discussed in RES-2 on sea state. Period as used with radio waves is discussed in the Radio Primer.

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