terminology - English Language Usage Stack Exchange The Jargon File has a good definition of 'handwave': handwave: hand wayv [poss from gestures characteristic of stage magicians] v To gloss over a complex point; to distract a listener; to support a (possibly actually valid) point with blatantly faulty logic n The act of handwaving “Boy, what a handwave!”
Is there a more formal term for a hand-waving explanation The Watson is often a valuable source of Scotch Tape In Science Fiction shows, a handwave is usually conducted with Techno Babble In fact, an alternate name for Phlebotinum is Handwavium Depending on context, you can take your pick of scotch tape, technobabble, or phlebotinium
word describing hand motion while bowing How about an obsequious or deferential hand gesture? I think automatically of those films--period pieces--in which the monarch's subjects, with their wigs and high heel shoes and feathered hats, remove their hats, bow, and gesture in a way that seems to say, "I am at your disposal, Majesty," or when done sideways, "After you, your Majesty "