circular polarization [`sǝr·kyǝ·lǝr ´pō·lǝ·rǝ`zā·shǝn] PHYSICS Attribute of a transverse wave (either of electromagnetic radiation, or in an elastic medium) whose electric or displacement vector is of constant amplitude and, at a fixed point in space, rotates in a plane perpendicular to the propagation direction with constant angular velocity. |