wavelength

American  

[weyv-lengkth, -length, -lenth] / ˈweɪvˌlɛŋkθ, -ˌlɛŋθ, -ˌlɛnθ /

Or wave length

noun

1. Physics. the distance, measured in the direction of propagation of a wave, between two successive points in the wave that are characterized by the same phase of oscillation.

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idioms

1. on the same wavelength, in sympathy or rapport.

   We seemed to be on the same wavelength from the moment we met.

wavelength British  

/ ˈweɪvˌlɛŋθ /

noun

1.  λ.  the distance, measured in the direction of propagation, between two points of the same phase in consecutive cycles of a wave

2. the wavelength of the carrier wave used by a particular broadcasting station

3. informal having similar views, feelings, or thoughts (as someone else)

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wavelength Scientific  

/ wāv′lĕngkth′ /

1. The distance between one peak or crest of a wave and the next peak or crest. It is equal to the speed of the wave divided by its frequency, and to the speed of a wave times its period.

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wavelength Cultural  

1. The distance between crests (or troughs) of a wave.

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Etymology

Origin of wavelength

First recorded in 1855–60; wave + length

Example Sentences

The new metasurface takes the form of an ultra thin chip covered with tiny structures that are smaller than the wavelength of light itself.

From Science Daily

Adding different rare earths alters the wavelength of the laser, and thus its use and colour, Ambroise said.

From Barron's

He told Fox News that he and two fierce critics, Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, had talked and were now on a “similar wavelength.”

From Los Angeles Times

A chameleon in a relaxed state has iridophore cells that are very close to one another, so the cells reflect short wavelengths of light like blue and green.

From Literature

"We, actually, seemed to be on a similar wavelength."

From BBC

Related Words

• acumen
• intuition
• judgment
• observation
• understanding
• vision
• wisdom