Infrared: meaning, definitions and examples

🌡️
Add to dictionary

infrared

 

[ ɪnfrəˈrɛd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

electromagnetic spectrum

Infrared refers to a type of electromagnetic radiation that has wavelengths longer than those of visible light but shorter than microwaves. It is commonly associated with heat, as infrared radiation is emitted by all objects with a temperature above absolute zero. Infrared has various applications, including in remote controls, thermal imaging, and night-vision equipment. It can also be used in telecommunications and to transfer data wirelessly.

Synonyms

IR, heat radiation, thermal radiation

Examples of usage

  • The remote control uses infrared signals.
  • Thermal cameras detect infrared radiation.
  • Infrared saunas are believed to have health benefits.

Translations

Translations of the word "infrared" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infravermelho

🇮🇳 अवरक्त (avarakta)

🇩🇪 Infrarot

🇮🇩 inframerah

🇺🇦 інфрачервоний

🇵🇱 podczerwień

🇯🇵 赤外線 (sekigaisen)

🇫🇷 infrarouge

🇪🇸 infrarrojo

🇹🇷 kızılötesi

🇰🇷 적외선 (jeogoesun)

🇸🇦 الأشعة تحت الحمراء (al'ashiat taht alhamra)

🇨🇿 infračervený

🇸🇰 infračervený

🇨🇳 红外线 (hóngwàixiàn)

🇸🇮 infrardeča

🇮🇸 innrautt

🇰🇿 инфрақызыл (infraqyzyl)

🇬🇪 ინფრაწითელი (infrach'it'eli)

🇦🇿 infraqırmızı

🇲🇽 infrarrojo

Etymology

The term 'infrared' comes from the Latin prefix 'infra-', meaning 'below' or 'beneath', and 'red', which refers to the color red in the visible light spectrum. The concept of infrared radiation was first introduced in the early 19th century by the British scientist Sir William Herschel, who discovered the existence of infrared light while conducting experiments to measure the temperature of different colors of light. He found that the temperatures increased beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, indicating the presence of an unknown form of radiation. As technology developed, infrared became an important area of study in physics, eventually leading to the development of various technological applications, such as infrared spectroscopy and thermal imaging devices.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,660 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.