wavelength

noun

wave·​length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th 

1

: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase

2

: a particular course or line of thought especially as related to mutual understanding

two people on different wavelengths

Examples of wavelength in a Sentence

Light and sound have different wavelengths.

Recent Examples on the Web

But research shows that artificial light, particularly LED lights rich in the same blue wavelengths as moonlight, can throw off this intricate dance and trigger corals in the same locations to spawn at different times. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024

The Polar White, as it has been named, is a proprietary substance that emits light across all visible wavelengths. —Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Shop the top picks for sauna blankets to sweat at home These wavelengths notably do not include ultraviolet light, like that from the sun, known to be potentially harmful to exposed skin. —Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2024

For skin improvements, the ideal wavelength for red light is about 640 nanometers and about 830 nanometers for infrared light, Rogers says. —Erica Sweeney, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wavelength

noun

wave·​length ˈwāv-ˌleŋ(k)th 

1

: the distance (as from crest to crest) in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next corresponding point

2

: a certain line of thought or behavior that reveals a common understanding

coworkers who are on the same wavelength

Medical Definition

wavelength

noun

wave·​length -ˌleŋ(k)th 

: the distance in the line of advance of a wave from any one point to the next point of corresponding phase

—symbol λ