a wave that starts and ends at amplitude zero

Wavelets: A wavelet is a wave that starts and ends at amplitude zero.

mathematical functions that split data into different frequency components

Wavelets are mathematical functions that split data into different frequency components.

mathematical functions that divide the considered data into different frequency components and work on features with a resolution matched to their scales

Wavelets are mathematical functions that divide the considered data into different frequency components and work on features with a resolution matched to their scales.

functions that satisfy certain mathematical requirements and are used in representing data or other functions

Wavelets are functions that satisfy certain mathematical requirements and are used in representing data or other functions.

a mathematical function sommable to divide a given function or continuous time signal into different frequency components and study each component with a resolution that matches a resolution's scale

A wavelet is a mathematical function sommable to divide a given function or continuous time signal into different frequency components and study each component with a resolution that matches a resolution's scale.

a smaller version of a wave

As the name suggests, a wavelet is a smaller version of a wave; a wave has finite magnitude over some defined finite interval; beyond this interval, the value of a wavelet is (very close to) zero.

a waveform of limited duration that has an average value of zero

A wavelet is a waveform of limited duration that has an average value of zero.

a threaded conversation that is spawned from a wave (including the initial conversation)

A wavelet is a threaded conversation that is spawned from a wave (including the initial conversation).

the foundation for representing images in various degrees of resolution

Explanation: Wavelets are the foundation for representing images in various degrees of resolution.

a mathematical development that may revolutionize the world of information storage and retrieval according to many experts

Wavelets are a mathematical development that may revolutionize the world of information storage and retrieval according to many experts.

a way to analyze a signal using base functions which are localized both in time (as diracs

In short, wavelets are a way to analyze a signal using base functions which are localized both in time (as diracs, but unlike sine waves), and in frequency (as sine waves, but unlike diracs).

a threaded conversation

- Wavelet: A wavelet is also a threaded conversation, but only a subset of a larger conversation (or a wave).