hertz

noun

ˈhərts  ˈherts 

plural hertz

: a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second

—abbreviation Hz

Examples of hertz in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After a bit of trial and error, the team induced the cicadas to produce specific musical notes over more than three octaves, ranging from 27.5 hertz to 261.6 hertz. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025

The alternating current going through power lines in the US cycles at a frequency of 60 hertz. —Umair Irfan, Wired News, 26 Apr. 2025

The display is also limited to FHD+ resolution at 120 hertz, but realistically there’s no need to support more than that since most streaming services cap out at 1080P anyway. —Anshel Sag, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

The frequency of a cat's purr, usually between 25 to 150 hertz, has therapeutic effects on a person's body and mind, according to an article from Inspira Health Network. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Heinrich R. Hertz

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hertz

• kilohertz

Kids Definition

hertz

noun

ˈhe(ə)rts  ˈhərts 

: a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second

—abbreviation Hz

Medical Definition

hertz

noun

ˈhərts  ˈherts 

: a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second

—abbreviation Hz

Biographical Definition

Hertz 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

ˈherts 

ˈhərts

Gustav Ludwig 1887–1975 German physicist

Hertz

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Heinrich Rudolf 1857–1894 German physicist