An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Telecommunications: A signal in which the wave frequency increases or decreases, linearly or exponentially, with time.
   

2. Astro: The theoretically predicted → gravitational wave arising from the interaction of two highly → compact objects.
   As the two objects spiral toward each other, due to orbital energy loss, the frequency and amplitude of the gravitational wave will increase continuously.

Etymology (EN): Chirp “a short, high-pitched sound, such as that made by certain birds or insects,” from M.E. chirpen, of onomatopoeic origin.

Etymology (PE): Cirp loanword from E., as above.