Wavelength: meaning, definitions and examples

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wavelength

 

[ ˈweɪvˌlɛŋθ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

science

The distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave.

Synonyms

frequency, period, wave period

Examples of usage

  • The wavelength of visible light ranges from about 400 to 700 nanometers.
  • Shorter wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation can be harmful to human health.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

The distance between two adjacent crests of a wave, used especially in reference to electromagnetic radiation.

Synonyms

wave length, wave period, wavenumber

Examples of usage

  • Different colors of light are associated with different wavelengths.
  • Radio waves have longer wavelengths compared to gamma rays.
Context #3 | Noun

technology

The specific range of frequencies or wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation used for communication purposes.

Synonyms

channel, frequency band, spectrum

Examples of usage

  • Cell phones operate at different wavelengths to transmit signals.
  • The wavelength allocation for Wi-Fi signals is regulated by international standards.

Translations

Translations of the word "wavelength" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comprimento de onda

🇮🇳 तरंगदैर्ध्य

🇩🇪 Wellenlänge

🇮🇩 panjang gelombang

🇺🇦 довжина хвилі

🇵🇱 długość fali

🇯🇵 波長

🇫🇷 longueur d'onde

🇪🇸 longitud de onda

🇹🇷 dalga boyu

🇰🇷 파장

🇸🇦 طول الموجة

🇨🇿 vlnová délka

🇸🇰 vlnová dĺžka

🇨🇳 波长

🇸🇮 valovna dolžina

🇮🇸 bylgjulengd

🇰🇿 толқын ұзындығы

🇬🇪 ტალღის სიგრძე

🇦🇿 dalğa uzunluğu

🇲🇽 longitud de onda

Word origin

The term 'wavelength' originated in the field of physics and was first coined in the early 19th century to describe the distance between wave crests. It has since been widely used in various scientific disciplines, including optics, acoustics, and telecommunications. The concept of wavelength has played a crucial role in understanding the behavior of waves and electromagnetic radiation, leading to significant advancements in technology and communication systems.

See also: airwaves, wave, wavelet, wavelike, wavenumber, waver, wavering, wavy.