waveguide

noun

wave·​guide ˈwāv-ˌgīd How to pronounce waveguide (audio)
: a device (such as a duct, coaxial cable, or glass fiber) designed to confine and direct the propagation of electromagnetic waves (such as light)
especially : a metal tube for channeling ultrahigh-frequency waves

Examples of waveguide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Light is channeled along the length of each cantilever via a waveguide, and exits at its tip. IEEE Spectrum, 9 Apr. 2026 The first indicator is the pair of waveguides on the lenses. Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026 But most photonic systems keep light confined within tiny optical waveguides on the chip. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026 Specs And Features The latest Spectacles use a split design, with each display powered by its own SoC. Each waveguide is powered by an LCoS display, delivering a refresh rate of 120 hertz and together producing a 46-degree diagonal field of view. Anshel Sag, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for waveguide

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waveguide was in 1932

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Cite this Entry

“Waveguide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waveguide. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

waveguide

noun
wave·​guide ˈwāv-ˌgīd How to pronounce waveguide (audio)
: a device (as a glass fiber) designed to confine and direct the propagation of electromagnetic waves (as light)
use of waveguides for visual examination of the stomach

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