infrared

adjective

in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
-(ˌ)frä-,
-fə-
1
: situated outside the visible spectrum at its red end
used of radiation having a wavelength between about 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter
2
: relating to, producing, or employing infrared radiation
infrared therapy
3
: sensitive to infrared radiation
infrared sensors that detect body heat
infrared noun

Examples of infrared in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And the range is wide: igloo, electric, raft, infrared, wood-burning, and traditional smoke saunas, to name a few. Lisa Lucas, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2024 These standard packages consist of long-wave infrared sensors, low-light cameras, and high-definition cameras. Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 So to create this compelling image, visible and infrared data were combined. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024 Dust echoes occur when dust particles are heated up and emit radiation, generally infrared radiation. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 2024 Additional structures include an 800-square-foot guesthouse with one bedroom and a full bath, plus a garage building with room for three cars, plus a gym with an infrared sauna. James McClain, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2024 However, using these frontier technologies for infrared thermal imaging has remained largely unexplored until now. IEEE Spectrum, 3 Feb. 2024 Her hat was reportedly found on the first day of searches, which featured infrared cameras, drones and assets from State Police Air Wing unit, per the outlet. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 Today, according to public sources such as space-tracking websites, the Pentagon and the intelligence community may operate roughly a half dozen satellites that detect visible light/infrared wavelengths and a half dozen radar satellites that can see at night and through clouds. David Zikusoka, Foreign Affairs, 2 Feb. 2024

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

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of infrared was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near infrared

Cite this Entry

“Infrared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infrared. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

infrared

adjective
in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
-(ˌ)frä-
: being, relating to, producing, or using rays like light but lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end
infrared radiation
infrared noun

Medical Definition

infrared

1 of 2 adjective
in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
1
: lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end
used of radiation having a wavelength between about 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter
2
: relating to, producing, or employing infrared radiation
infrared therapy

infrared

2 of 2 noun
: infrared radiation

More from Merriam-Webster on infrared

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