The term that refers to the highest point of a wave is crest.

Quick Scoop

  • In wave terminology, the crest is the topmost point a wave reaches above its rest position.
  • The lowest point of a wave is called the trough , which is the opposite of the crest.
  • Many basic physics and oceanography resources define the crest specifically as “the highest point of a wave,” so that is the standard answer used in textbooks and exams.

So if a quiz or homework asks “which term refers to the highest point of a wave,” you should choose: crest.

TL;DR: The highest point of a wave is called the crest.

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