A cnoidal wave is a type of nonlinear, periodic wave that is characterized by its flattened crest and trough. Synonyms for cnoidal wave include: soliton wave, solitary wave, or undular bore. Soliton waves are solitary waves that propagate without changing shape or speed, while undular bores are characterized by the rapid rise and fall of waves in a particular fluid medium. Additionally, cnoidal waves can also be referred to as "waves of translation" due to their ability to maintain their overall shape while moving. Overall, these different terms all refer to the same form of wave, but can provide different shades of meaning or nuances in scientific or technical contexts.