water wave1
/ˈwɔːtə ˌweɪv/noun
1A wave of water.
2Specifically. A wave in a large body of water, especially a sea, caused by a tectonic or geological disturbance such as an earthquake, or by an explosion.
3Originally US. A wave formed in hair by wetting it with water and shaping it, especially by using rollers.
Origin
Mid 16th century; earliest use found in Miles Coverdale (1488–1569), Bible translator and bishop of Exeter. From water + wave.
water-wave2
/ˈwɔːtəweɪv/originally US
verb
[with object] To set (hair) by wetting with water and forming into waves.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. From water wave.