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

The report highlights significant advancements in developing aerial, maritime, and ground drones, as well as electronic warfare systems, which disable or confuse enemy communications or weapons using various types of electromagnetic waves, from radio to radar to microwave. —Katya Soldak, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

The reason is that when an electromagnetic wave encounters tiny particles in the atmosphere, some of it is scattered. —Rhett Allain, WIRED, 11 Oct. 2024

In the near term, Russia aims to assemble international research teams of American, European, and Russian scientists to manage its Spektr-RG and Spektr-UV orbital observatories, which are scheduled for launch in 2017 and 2021 and will scan space for high-frequency electromagnetic waves. —Pavel Luzin, Foreign Affairs, 21 Sep. 2016

These devices typically use safe levels of low-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Sep. 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