near-infrared

adjective

near-in·​fra·​red ˌnir-ˌin-frə-ˈred 

-(ˌ)frä-

: of or relating to the shorter wavelengths of radiation in the infrared spectrum and especially to those between 0.7 and 2.5 micrometers

Examples of near-infrared in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By seeing in near-infrared, NIRCam was able to capture this incredible view of part of the Whirlpool Galaxy. —Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 13 May 2026

Each mode delivers a different illumination blend to cater to specific concerns, like blue and red light for acne and red and near-infrared light for anti-aging benefits. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026

Overview Energy plans to mass-produce satellites equipped with lasers that will use near-infrared light not visible to the human eye to transmit the space solar energy to receivers on the ground at existing solar farms. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 27 Apr. 2026

The unwearables are then sent to WM's facility in Greenville, South Carolina — the first of its kind in the United States, equipped with robotics and near-infrared scanners — where they're broken down by fiber type for recycling or upcycling. —Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for near-infrared

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead