Wavelength: meaning, definitions and examples
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wavelength
[ ˈweɪvˌlɛŋθ ]
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.
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.
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.