infrared

adjective

in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
-(ˌ)frä-,
-fə-
1
: situated outside the visible spectrum at its red end
used of radiation having a wavelength between about 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter
2
: relating to, producing, or employing infrared radiation
infrared therapy
3
: sensitive to infrared radiation
infrared sensors that detect body heat
infrared noun

Examples of infrared in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This Frida Baby Infrared Thermometer three-in-one ear, forehead and touchless for babies gets accurate infrared temperature readings in just one second. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025 The company’s algorithms combine satellite imagery, field sensors and other data with ultra-high-definition infrared video to spot temperature fluctuations at night as far as ten miles away. Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025 The scene remained active, however, because drones equipped with infrared were still detecting significant residual heat in the vehicle. Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025 Unlike the typical backpacking canister stove that heats via an open flame – often heavily protected by a windscreen of some sort, but an open flame, nonetheless – the Ulti uses a catalytic combustion process that produces infrared radiation without a flame rising out of the burner body. New Atlas, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for infrared 

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of infrared was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near infrared

Cite this Entry

“Infrared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infrared. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

infrared

adjective
in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
-(ˌ)frä-
: being, relating to, producing, or using rays like light but lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end
infrared radiation
infrared noun

Medical Definition

infrared

1 of 2 adjective
in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
1
: lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end
used of radiation having a wavelength between about 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter
2
: relating to, producing, or employing infrared radiation
infrared therapy

infrared

2 of 2 noun
: infrared radiation

More from Merriam-Webster on infrared

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