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

This marked the first time an exoplanet had been directly imaged at optical wavelengths, and it was named Fomalhaut b following standard naming rules.

From Science Daily

Because the wavelength of large tsunamis is much longer than the depth of the ocean, scientists have traditionally described them as "non-dispersive."

From Science Daily

Then sometimes, some are on exactly our wavelength.

From Los Angeles Times

He discovered that when an atom releases multiple photons, the resulting wavelength spectrum and wave form closely match those of the laser light itself.

From Science Daily

Its host star is bright, the brown dwarf sits at an ideal position, and at the Roman Coronagraph's operating wavelengths it will appear faint enough relative to its star to properly evaluate the new technology.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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