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

Laser light differs from the light produced by bulbs or LEDs because its electromagnetic waves move in perfect sync.

From Science Daily

"If you have a screen and an electromagnetic wave passes by, the wave doesn't propagate straight through," Medvedev said.

From Science Daily

The research capitalizes on the intriguing physical effect that GWs residing within a magnetic field can be converted to potentially detectable electromagnetic waves.

From Science Daily

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

The beams are special configurations of electromagnetic waves that naturally bend or curve to one side as they move through space.

From Science Daily