electromagnetic spectrum

noun

: the entire range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves and including visible light

Examples of electromagnetic spectrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their immense gravity generates tidal forces in this accretion disk that cause intense friction, resulting in high temperatures that cause this region to brightly glow across the electromagnetic spectrum. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Terahertz radiation sits between microwaves and infrared on the electromagnetic spectrum. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026

Getting above the atmosphere allows telescopes to detect vastly more of the electromagnetic spectrum than visible light alone. —Martin Elvis, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026

The human eye is mostly sensitive to only three bands of the electromagnetic spectrum—red, green, and blue (RGB)—in the visible range. —IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for electromagnetic spectrum

• electrum

Kids Definition

electromagnetic spectrum

noun

: the entire range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic waves extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves and including visible light

Medical Definition

electromagnetic spectrum

noun

: the entire range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves and including visible light