electromagnetic wave

noun

: one of the waves that are propagated by simultaneous periodic variations of electric and magnetic field intensity and that include radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays

Examples of electromagnetic wave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For instance, Maxwell himself figured out that a prediction from those equations is that something called electromagnetic waves could exist. —Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2024

In the case of radio, each station is assigned a unique electromagnetic wave that oscillates at its own frequency. —Scott Coyle, The Conversation, 31 May 2024

Imaging tests: X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans, which use electromagnetic waves to create pictures of your airways Laryngoscopy: A tube inserted through the mouth and into the back of the throat and larynx (voice box) Treatments Compression asphyxia is not always deadly. —Korin Miller, Health, 10 May 2024

At the heart of the company’s device is a 2D metamaterial known as a metasurface, which is designed to manipulate electromagnetic waves. —IEEE Spectrum, 3 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

electromagnetic wave

noun

: a wave (as a radio wave, wave of visible light, or X-ray) that consists of an associated electric and magnetic effect and travels at the speed of light

Medical Definition

electromagnetic wave

noun

: one of the waves that are propagated by simultaneous periodic variations of electric and magnetic field intensity and that include radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays