electromagnetic wave

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a wave produced by the acceleration of an electric charge and propagated by the periodic variation of intensities of, usually, perpendicular electric and magnetic fields.

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electromagnetic wave British  

noun

1. a wave of energy propagated in an electromagnetic field See also electromagnetic radiation

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electromagnetic wave Scientific  

1. A wave of energy consisting of electric and magnetic fields, oscillating at right angles to each other.

2. See more at electromagnetic radiation

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Etymology

Origin of electromagnetic wave

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

One consequence is that, in a strong magnetic field, an axion should occasionally turn into an electromagnetic wave, or photon.

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2024

For vertical-horizontal, the transmitted electromagnetic wave is like the ocean waves, but the wave returning from the targeted object is oriented side-to-side, similar to how a snake moves.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2024

For vertical-vertical, the electromagnetic wave of both the transmitted and returned radar beam has peaks and valleys, similar to the rise and fall of ocean waves.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2024

The most efficient length for a linear antenna, such as discussed in Production of Electromagnetic Waves, is λ / 2 , half the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

In order to have an electromagnetic wave, one must have a medium in which an electric field or a magnetic field may exist.

From Where I Wasn't Going by Richmond, Walt