body waves

[/ˈbɑdi weɪvz/]
nounpl: body waves
ondas internas / ondas sísmicas internas
1. Seismic waves that travel through the interior of the Earth, as opposed to surface waves; includes P-waves (primary waves) and S-waves (secondary waves)
Scientists use body waves to study the composition of Earth's interior.
Os cientistas usam ondas sísmicas internas para estudar a composição do interior da Terra.
2. In beauty and fitness contexts, undulating waves created in hair or skin treatment applications
The salon specializes in creating body waves for long-lasting curls.
O salão se especializa em criar ondas no corpo para cachos duradouros.
In the USA, 'body waves' is primarily a technical geological term used in seismology education and earthquake research. In beauty culture, it refers to a permanent wave treatment popular since the early 2000s. In Brazil, the geological term is more formally 'ondas sísmicas internas' in academic contexts, while the beauty treatment uses 'ondas corporais' in salon terminology. Both usages are context-dependent.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
internal wavesseismic wavesP-waves and S-wavesvolume waves
Antonyms / Antônimos
surface wavesRayleigh wavesLove waves

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ondas sísmicas internas
Standard term in geology and seismology
General Brazilian
ondas internas
Commonly used shortened form
São Paulo
ondas corporais (beauty context)
Term used in salons and beauty industry
Portugal
ondas corporais / ondas sísmicas internas
Same usage as Brazil, formal geological terminology

Related Words

seismicearthquakeP-waveS-wavelithospherewaveshair wavescurls

Related Idioms & Phrases

ride the waves
make waves
body wave treatment
permanent body waves
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