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View synonyms for infrared

infrared

or in·fra-red

[ in-fruh-red ]

noun

  1. the part of the invisible spectrum that is contiguous to the red end of the visible spectrum and that comprises electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths from 800 nanometers to 1 millimeter.


adjective

  1. noting or pertaining to the infrared or its component rays:

    infrared radiation.

infrared

/ ˌɪnfrəˈrɛd /

noun

  1. the part of the electromagnetic spectrum with a longer wavelength than light but a shorter wavelength than radio waves; radiation with wavelength between 0.8 micrometres and 1 millimetre
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


adjective

  1. of, relating to, using, or consisting of radiation lying within the infrared

    infrared radiation

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

infrared

/ ĭn′frə-rĕd /

  1. Relating to the invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths longer than those of visible red light but shorter than those of microwaves.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of infrared1

First recorded in 1825–35; infra- + red 1
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A Closer Look

In 1800 the astronomer Sir William Herschel discovered infrared light while exploring the relationship between heat and light. Herschel used a prism to split a beam of sunlight into a spectrum and then placed a thermometer in each of the bands of light. When he placed the thermometer just outside the red band, where there was no visible color, the temperature rose, as if light were shining on the thermometer. Further experiment showed that this invisible radiation behaved like visible light in many ways; for example, it could be reflected by a mirror. Infrared radiation is simply electromagnetic radiation with a lower frequency than visible light, having longer wavelengths of 0.7 micrometer to 1 millimeter. Ultraviolet radiation, like infrared radiation, lies just outside the visible part of the spectrum, but with higher frequencies; some animals, such as bees, are capable of seeing such radiation. Both infrared and ultraviolet radiation are often referred to as forms of light, though they cannot be seen by human beings. Heat energy is often transferred in the form of infrared radiation, which is given off from an object as a result of molecular collisions within it. Molecules typically have a characteristic infrared absorption spectrum, and infrared spectroscopy is a common technique for identifying the molecular structure of substances. Astronomers similarly analyze the infrared radiation emitted by celestial bodies to determine their temperature and composition.
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Compare Meanings

How does infrared compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

This technology, called functional near-infrared spectroscopy, is the same that allows pulse oximeters to measure oxygen levels in the blood.

The operator gets a real-time view of what Spot sees and hears through its onboard sensors, which include an infrared camera.

Wi-Charge’s PowerPuck system employs infrared beams that can power low-draw devices from up to 30 feet away without the power level dropping as you move further away.

We suggest reaching for a ceramic, porcelain, or infrared dryer, which will gently dry your hair without sucking up healthy moisture.

He and his team are now looking at another type of light called the cosmic infrared background.

Therefore, it is not possible for any F-35 schedule to include a video data link  or infrared pointer at this point.

Some pilots consider the infrared marker to be crucial to the close air-support mission to support ground troops.

Infrared light does not have a color which means it cannot be seen by the human eye.

Unlike humans, it can watch for days, even years, watch an entire city, zoom in close, use heat sensors and infrared.

Helicopters equipped with infrared equipment flew over the area.

It was an air-view of the city of Zurb—taken, the high priest explained, by infrared light from an airboat over the city at night.

It boils liquid metal and cooks out energy from the infrared right through to hard radiation.

Anyone leaving their Buggy would interrupt an infrared beam and stop the ride system.

The film registers whatever the infrared searchlight illuminates.

Thanks to the goggles, both of them could see the normally invisible beams of the infrared flashlight.

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infraorderinfrared astronomy