electromagnetic wave

noun

: one of the waves that are propagated by simultaneous periodic variations of electric and magnetic field intensity and that include radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays

Examples of electromagnetic wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If light was an electromagnetic wave, and all waves required a medium to travel through (which was our understanding at the time), then — as all the heavenly bodies traveled through the medium of space — surely that medium itself, the aether, was the medium that light traveled through. —Big Think, 7 May 2026

Radiative cooling films can lower temperatures, but cannot switch roles or regulate electromagnetic waves. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026

For example, electromagnetic waves and neutron radiation from one piece of tech can cause semiconductors in another part to malfunction. —Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 1 May 2026

General manager John Lynch shared Sunday that an independent scientist deemed the 49ers safe from electromagnetic waves, after conducting tests from the practice fields to the weight room and even the cafeteria. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for electromagnetic wave

• aftershave
• architrave
• autoclave
• microwave
• misbehave
• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave

Kids Definition

electromagnetic wave

noun

: a wave (as a radio wave, wave of visible light, or X-ray) that consists of an associated electric and magnetic effect and travels at the speed of light

Medical Definition

electromagnetic wave

noun

: one of the waves that are propagated by simultaneous periodic variations of electric and magnetic field intensity and that include radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays