Sawtooth

A sawtooth, in a broad sense, describes a pattern or structure that resembles the teeth of a saw: a series of sharp, triangular projections arranged along an edge or surface. More specifically, it refers to a waveform, like an electrical signal, characterized by rapid rises followed by slower, more gradual declines (or vice-versa), thus visually resembling the teeth of a saw. It can also be used to describe other physical or abstract concepts that share this jagged, angular characteristic. The defining feature remains its repetitive, asymmetrical, sharp-angled profile.

Sawtooth meaning with examples

• The mountain range presented a dramatic sawtooth silhouette against the setting sun, its peaks and valleys sharply defined by the eroding forces of wind and weather. Its jagged appearance was immediately noticeable from miles away. A landscape photographer might try to capture it's form and make the light play across it.
• The engineer examined the sawtooth pattern on the oscilloscope, indicating a specific frequency being generated by the experimental circuit. The pattern was a useful way to troubleshoot a problem. The signal was very important for the testing of the technology.
• The stock market showed a sawtooth trend for the past quarter, with prices fluctuating wildly and unpredictably before stabilizing. It was a difficult time to trade because things kept shifting. Everyone was a little nervous about what was to come.
• The architect designed a building with a sawtooth roof, providing optimal natural lighting and ventilation for the interior factory space. The sawtooth roof was an extremely innovative choice, offering significant benefits to the owners.
• The digital artist used a sawtooth brush in the software to create a rough, textured effect on the surface of the simulated rock formations. They were able to change the details. The result of the use of a sawtooth brush made the rock formations look realistic.