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

adjective

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

   infrared radiation

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.
2. See more at electromagnetic spectrum

Word History and Origins

Origin of infrared¹

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

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.

Example Sentences

Firstly, water vapor interferes and overlaps with the absorption spectra of many gases in the standard infrared ranges normally used for detection.

From Science Daily

On the other end of the spectrum is infrared, which is just beyond red and represents about half the light that reaches Earth from the Sun.

From Salon

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has produced the deepest and sharpest infrared image of the distant universe to date.

From Salon

He said he wants to hire more Border Patrol agents and supports building a wall with video and infrared cameras to track people crossing the southern border.

From Los Angeles Times

His composite shows the phases of Venus, using ultra-violet and infrared filters that reveal the cloud structure within the upper atmosphere of the planet.

From BBC

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