verb
undulate
UN-juh-layt/ˈʌndʒəleɪt/
To move or curve smoothly up and down like waves.
The fabric streamer undulates in the wind through smooth rising and falling curves.
Etymology
The wavelet image describes movement that rises and falls like a small wave. The verb may have been formed from undulation or from an adjective meaning “wavy.”
In context
Animals that will undulate sometimes are actually doing a depth measurement, because as you move from side to side, the brain is able to do the math of depth.
More examples
- The road undulates gently through the countryside.
- The dancer's arms undulate gracefully above her head.
- Long strands of seaweed undulate beneath the surface.
Forms
undulate · undulates · undulated · undulating
undulation noun — A smooth, wave-like movement or curve.