Searching for common wave vocabulary
Here is what I found if useful for others -

Oceanic Wave Clarification

Wave position in space (x,y) and in time (t) are different concepts

Ocean waves in time are a vertical oscillation generated most often from surface winds creating a circulation (eddy). There are no 'leading waves' to a 'big wave' rather simply a continual progression in size.

Ocean waves in space are generated from the simple motion of the wind. As the depth decreases the energy density of the wave increases, increasing the wave amplitude

Illustration (1)



Common Vocabulary (if useful)



Reference


(1) Quora - >When do waves stop forming in the ocean?
(2) Hyperphysics - Ocean Waves