wave
UK: weɪv | US: weɪv
n. a ridge or swell moving along the surface of a liquid (e.g., ocean wave)
n. a gesture of raising and moving the hand side to side as a greeting or signal
vt. to move one's hand or an object back and forth in the air
vi. (of hair or fabric) to form curves or undulations
The word "wave" traces back to Old English wafian ("to wave, fluctuate"), likely imitative of the motion itself. It shares roots with Old Norse vafra ("to hover") and German waben ("to weave"). The silent "e" in Modern English preserves the long vowel sound. The core idea of rhythmic motion unites all meanings, from ocean swells to hand gestures.
The surfer rode the massive wave to shore.
She gave a friendly wave to her neighbor across the street.
Flags wave proudly in the wind during the parade.
Her hair naturally waves when left to air-dry.
The magician waved his wand and produced a dove.