electromagnetic pulse

noun

: a pulse of high-intensity electromagnetic radiation generated especially by a nuclear blast high above the earth's surface and held to disrupt electronic and electrical systems
Any nuclear bomb detonated high above the atmosphere bathes the area below in a powerful electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that is likely to burn out delicate electronic chips, transistors, computers and power and communication systems. The pulse happens at the speed of light, covering an entire continent.William Broad
abbreviation EMP

Examples of electromagnetic pulse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The planes’ 40-plus distinct communications systems are built to withstand the electromagnetic pulse that would instantly fry nearby electronics in the event of a nuclear attack. Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 In these sessions, the provider places a magnetic coil against the patient’s scalp that emits a gentle electromagnetic pulse. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2024 That's as opposed to a nuclear weapon the U.S. says Russia is developing that could create high-altitude electromagnetic pulses that would take out satellites and disrupt entire communications networks. Tony Capaccio Bloomberg News (wpns), arkansasonline.com, 20 July 2024 The bomb blast created a powerful electromagnetic pulse and unleashed a belt of radiation that lingered for months circling the Earth. Joel Achenbach, Washington Post, 6 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for electromagnetic pulse 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'electromagnetic pulse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electromagnetic pulse was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near electromagnetic pulse

Cite this Entry

“Electromagnetic pulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electromagnetic%20pulse. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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