IR Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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IR
[aɪ ɑr ]
Definitions
technology, science
IR stands for 'infrared,' which refers to a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves. It is widely used in various technologies, including remote controls, thermal imaging, and optical communication.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- TV remote controls use IR signals to communicate with devices.
- Thermal cameras detect IR radiation to visualize heat.
- IR communication enables short-range wireless data transfer.
finance
In finance, IR refers to 'interest rate,' which is the amount charged by lenders to borrowers for the use of funds, usually expressed as a percentage of the principal. Interest rates have a significant impact on economic activity and consumer behavior.
Synonyms
interest rate.
Examples of usage
- Central banks adjust IR to control inflation.
- Higher IR can discourage borrowing.
- Investors often watch changes in IR closely.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Infrared light is utilized in night vision technology, allowing images to be produced in dark conditions.
- Thermal cameras use infrared radiation to create images based on the heat emitted by objects, enabling applications in security and building inspections.
- IR technology is also significant in astronomy, allowing scientists to observe cool and distant celestial objects that emit infrared radiation.
Pop Culture
- Many electronic devices, like remote controls and certain types of smartphones, use infrared signals to communicate wirelessly.
- Infrared radiation is a crucial aspect of many sci-fi movies, where advanced technology uses heat detection to track characters.
- Some modern art installations use infrared cameras and lights to create interactive exhibits that react to visitor movement.
Health
- Infrared therapy is increasingly popular for its alleged benefits in pain relief and muscle relaxation, utilizing infrared heat to soothe aches.
- Certain medical imaging devices leverage infrared light to assess blood flow and detect abnormalities in circulation.
- Studies show that exposure to certain wavelengths of infrared light may enhance healing processes in tissues.
Technology
- Infrared sensors are widely used in security systems to detect motion and presence through the heat emitted by living beings.
- In the realm of communication, infrared data association (IrDA) was once a popular way to exchange data between devices before Bluetooth technology took over.
- Smart home devices often employ infrared signals for remote operation, controlling everything from TVs to air conditioners without needing visible light.
Origin of 'IR'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'infrared' comes from Latin, where 'infra' means 'below' and 'red' refers to having a longer wavelength than visible red light.
- First used in the early 19th century, the term refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum adjacent to the visible spectrum.
- The discovery of infrared radiation is attributed to William Herschel in 1800 when he found that temperatures rose beyond the red end of the visible spectrum.
The term 'IR' can refer to various concepts depending on the context, but its origins can be traced back to the development of electromagnetic theory in the 19th century. The term 'infrared' was coined in 1800 by the British scientist Sir William Herschel, who discovered infrared radiation while experimenting with sunlight and temperature measurements. The abbreviation 'IR' became common in the 20th century as technology advanced, particularly in the fields of telecommunications and imaging. In finance, 'interest rate' has its roots in banking and economic theory, evolving over centuries as formal systems of lending and borrowing took shape, becoming a crucial concept in modern economies.