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

Since saltwater is more electrically conductive than freshwater, the boundaries between the two kinds of water are clear when electromagnetic pulses are sent through the seafloor: saltwater conducts the signal well, and freshwater doesn’t. —Hannah Richter, Ars Technica, 20 May 2024

This particular test, known as Starfish Prime, was powerful enough to create artificial aurora borealis effects across the Pacific and generated an electromagnetic pulse that knocked out streetlights and telephone service in Hawaii, more than 1,000 miles away. —Joshua Keating, Vox, 12 Apr. 2022

Here on Earth, these result in beautiful auroral activity, but also geomagnetic storms and the threat of electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), which can bring widespread damage to electronic equipment and communications systems. —IEEE Spectrum, 25 May 2024

Meanwhile, while the storm had an impact on power grids, telecommunications and global positioning systems, only minor disruptions were reported as the storm sent powerful electromagnetic pulses toward Earth. —John Helton, NPR, 12 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above