wavelength

Or wave length

[weyv-lengkth, -length, -lenth]

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.

wavelength

/ 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)

wavelength

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.

wavelength

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of wavelength¹

First recorded in 1855–60; wave + length

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

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

Example Sentences

In astronomy, calling something "very red" means the object emits most of its light at long wavelengths.

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Did you know that Himawari in Japanese means ‘sunflower’? These satellites can see light across a broad range of wavelengths - in 16 different colours.

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By working with multiple wavelengths of light, the researchers expanded their technique to support even more complex, higher-order tensor operations.

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"In order to generate short pulses, we need to amplify the incoming light beam and cover a wide range of wavelengths."

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As Graham explains, "As the light travels across expanding space to reach us, its wavelength stretches as does time itself."

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Related Words

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