Non-sinusoidal waveforms are waveforms that are not pure sine waves.

They are
usually derived from simple math functions. While a pure sine consists of a single
frequency, non-sinusoidal waveforms can be described as containing multiple sine waves
of different frequencies. These "component" sine waves may, or may not, be multiples of
a fundamental or "lowest" frequency. The frequency and amplitude of each component
can be found using a mathematical technique known as Fourier analysis.
Non-sinusoidal waveforms are important in, for example, mathematics, music and
electronics.
Examples of non-sinusoidal waveforms include square waves, rectangular waves, ramp
waves, triangle waves, spiked waves and saw tooth waves.