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wavelength
noun
wave·length
ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th
1
: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase
2
: a particular course or line of thought especially as related to mutual understanding
two people on different wavelengths
Examples of wavelength in a Sentence
Light and sound have different wavelengths.
Recent Examples on the Web
Colors with shorter wavelengths, such as blues and violets, scatter more easily than colors with longer wavelengths, which include red and orange.
—John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
In 1944, the Dutch astronomer Hendrick van de Hulst predicted that interstellar hydrogen ought to emit electromagnetic radiation with a specific wavelength.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
The sulfur particles, on the other hand, ranked second to last because of their tendency to absorb sunlight at certain wavelengths rather than reflect it and its clumpiness.
—Devika Rao, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024
What Solar Eclipse Glasses Do Solar eclipse glasses protect your eyes by blocking the short wavelength bluish visible light that can damage your retina.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wavelength
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Word History
First Known Use
1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near wavelength
Cite this Entry
“Wavelength.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wavelength. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
wavelength
noun
wave·length
ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th
1
: the distance (as from crest to crest) in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next corresponding point
2
: a certain line of thought or behavior that reveals a common understanding
coworkers who are on the same wavelength
Medical Definition
wavelength
noun
wave·length
-ˌleŋ(k)th
: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase
—symbol λ
More from Merriam-Webster on wavelength
Nglish: Translation of wavelength for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wavelength
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