1. With regard to atmospheric circulation, a progressive wave in the horizontal pattern of air motion with dimensions of cyclonic scale, as distinguished from a long wave. A short wave moves in the same direction as that of the prevailing basic current through the troposphere. The angular wavenumber of short waves ranges between eight and twenty. See cyclone wave. 2. A wave with a relatively short wavelength and period. For ocean wind waves, this usually means waves with periods shorter than about 60 s.