electromagnetic spectrum

noun

: the entire range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves and including visible light

Examples of electromagnetic spectrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The electromagnetic spectrum is getting crowded, as more and more technologies tap into frequencies in the gigahertz and tens of gigahertz range. IEEE Spectrum, 25 July 2023 For example, in the electromagnetic spectrum, the visible light frequency is between 400 and 700 THz (Terahertz). Kat Friedrich, Popular Mechanics, 13 Feb. 2023 This capability is currently provided through NASA's fleet of Tracking and Data Relay Satellites, known as TDRS (tee-dress), working in the radio section of the electromagnetic spectrum. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2023 Israel already controls Gaza’s land, sea, and air access, as well as its electromagnetic spectrum. Aaron David Miller, Foreign Affairs, 22 Dec. 2023 Israel controls Gaza's airspace, sea access, borders (albeit with a little bit of help from Egypt) and its electromagnetic spectrum. Ruby Mellen, Washington Post, 19 Nov. 2023 Over the next decades, other astronomers and physicists joined and competed in the quest to measure the cosmic microwave background at different frequencies and to fill in its electromagnetic spectrum. Dennis Overbye Hiroko Masuike, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2023 Maxwell correctly guessed that these waves were the stuff of visible light, and later researchers proved the same for the rest of the electromagnetic spectrum: gamma-rays, x-rays, ultraviolet, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023 At a meeting this month at the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) in London, researchers reported on ongoing searches that have found tantalizing hints of SMBH binaries from across the electromagnetic spectrum. science.org, 25 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'electromagnetic spectrum.' 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

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electromagnetic spectrum was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near electromagnetic spectrum

Cite this Entry

“Electromagnetic spectrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electromagnetic%20spectrum. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

electromagnetic spectrum

noun
: the entire range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic waves extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves and including visible light

Medical Definition

electromagnetic spectrum

noun
: the entire range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves and including visible light

More from Merriam-Webster on electromagnetic spectrum

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