I. ˈənjələ̇t, ˈənd(y)əl-, -ˌlāt, usu -d.+V adjective
Etymology: Latin undulatus, from (assumed) undula small wave (diminutive of unda wave) + -atus -ate — more at water
1. : bending in gradual curves
the undulate margin of a leaf
: wavy — compare repand , sinuate
2. : undulating
slumber in undulate rhythms — Amy Lowell
II. -ˌlāt, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Late Latin undula small wave (from — assumed — Latin) + English -ate, v. suffix
intransitive verb
1. : to form or move in waves : rise and fall with the movement or appearance of the ocean surface : fluctuate , surge
the water seemed bound down with a dark, oily skin that stirred and undulated — Victor Canning
veiled women undulating to the sound of gongs — Anthony Carson
the orange candle flame … made the jades undulate like green pools — Amy Lowell
2. : to rise and fall in volume, pitch, or cadence
the rooftop siren's wail undulated for minutes
his prose flows and undulates in beguiling patterns of rhythm
3. : to exhibit a form or outline like that of waves : present a wavy appearance
a sandy waste undulates southward — Rex Keating
transitive verb
1. : to move or cause to move in wavy, sinuous, or flowing manner
danced … with their entire bodies, moving slowly, undulating their abdomens — Richard Wright
2. : to give (something) a wavy form
Synonyms: see swing