In a transmission line, a wave in which the distribution of current, voltage, or field strength is formed by the superposition of two waves propagating in opposite directions, and which wave is characterized by a series of nodes (maxima) and anti-nodes (minima) at fixed points along the transmission line. Note: A standing wave may be formed when a wave is transmitted into one end of a transmission line and is reflected from the other end by an impedance mismatch, i.e., discontinuity, such as an open or a short. Synonym stationary wave.