near-infrared

adjective

near-in·​fra·​red ˌnir-ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce near-infrared (audio)
-(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 Researchers were eventually able to use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which measures the activity of neurons in the outer layers of the cortex. Quanta Magazine, 28 Mar. 2024 The hyperspectral ocean color instrument that the PACE satellite is carrying will make observations across ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light spectrums. Justine Calma, The Verge, 8 Feb. 2024 The telescope’s ability to observe the universe in different wavelengths of infrared light, such as near-infrared and mid-infrared, showcases the stars, gas and dust within the intricate structure of each galaxy. Aj Willingham, CNN, 3 Feb. 2024 The light that non-line-of-sight imaging depends on is typically very dim, and until now, the detectors that were efficient and sensitive enough for non-line-of-sight imaging could only detect either visible or near-infrared light. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Feb. 2024 In the new images, the blue dots of light are stars captured by Webb’s near-infrared camera (NIRCam). Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2024 The telescope observes wavelengths of light ranging from ultraviolet to near-infrared from Saturn. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Jan. 2024 The latest snapshot makes use of the Webb’s near-infrared camera, which captured gas, dust and molecules radiating at warmer temperatures. Katrina Miller, New York Times, 19 Dec. 2023 This boundary denotes where the supernova explosion collides with surrounding material that isn’t hot enough to be detected in near-infrared. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'near-infrared.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of near-infrared was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near near-infrared

Cite this Entry

“Near-infrared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/near-infrared. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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