continuous wave
Noun
Meaning
An electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency, typically a sine wave, that for mathematical analysis is considered to be of infinite duration.
(radio, historical, uncountable) An early method of radio transmission in which a sinusoidal carrier wave is switched on and off, and information is carried in the varying duration of the on and off periods.
Source: en.wiktionary.orgSynonyms
Examples
Continuous wave (CW) is on-and-off keying of a carrier, used only for Morse code communications.
Continuous wave (CW) radar One way to obtain a distance measurement is based on the time-of-flight : transmit a short pulse of radio signal (electromagnetic radiation) and measure the time it takes for the reflection to return.
Continuous wave carbon dioxide lasers are still used to remove moles and other skin issues though.
Continuous wave operation Some applications of lasers depend on a beam whose output power is constant over time.