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

Red and near-infrared light therapy promotes circulation and reduces inflammation. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

To capture this incredible composite view of the galaxy, astronomers combined near and mid-infrared wavelength observations made by JWST and ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared observations made by Hubble. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The wavelengths being used, 630 to 850 nanometers across all three devices, sit within the range that existing clinical research on red and near-infrared light therapy has studied most extensively. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026

The wavelengths most commonly cited in this category are 630 nanometers for red light and 830 nanometers for near-infrared, the same pairing L'Oréal is using in its new flexible LED face mask. — Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 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