A transverse wave is a type of wave where the oscillation or displacement of the medium is perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels. In other words, if the wave is moving horizontally, the particles of the medium are moving up and down.
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A transverse wave has its oscillating vector perpendicular to the direction of propagation. In a plane electromagnetic wave in vacuum, the electric field and magnetic field are transverse; their orientation is described by polarization of waves.