What is the term for the top of a wave?

The term that refers to the top of a wave is "crest." In the context of wave dynamics, the crest is the highest point of a wave and is a key concept in understanding wave properties such as amplitude and wavelength. The crest is important in various applications, including maritime navigation, as it helps to characterize the height and behavior of sea waves. It is also useful in calculations involving wave energy and when assessing conditions for safe operations at sea.

While "summit" and "peak" could colloquially be used to refer to the highest point, they are not standard terminology in oceanography or wave studies. "Wavefront," on the other hand, refers to the leading edge of the wave and the surface connecting points of equal phase in a wave train, which is distinct from the crest itself. Thus, "crest" is the precise term used for the top of a wave.