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

Those electromagnetic waves carry energy away from the system of charges and fields, conserving the total energy of the system (including rest mass energy through Einstein’s E = mc) as well as the system’s total momentum. —Big Think, 7 Nov. 2025

Electricity Produces Electromagnetic Waves A magnetron in the microwave oven uses electricity to produce electromagnetic waves. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025

This radiation can take the form of tiny particles moving rapidly or high-energy electromagnetic waves emerging from the nucleus. —Kelling Donald, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025

For instance, Quaise Energy has developed a millimeter-wave drilling technology that can vaporize rock using high-frequency electromagnetic waves rather than conventional drill bits. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025

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