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.

---

electromagnetic wave British  

noun

1. a wave of energy propagated in an electromagnetic field See also electromagnetic radiation

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of electromagnetic wave

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

His research showed that plasma around the pulsar bends and spreads electromagnetic waves through diffraction, helping form the pattern.

From Science Daily

"The computational model predicts how design decisions affect electromagnetic wave propagation in the chip," said Nonaka, "to make sure proper signal coupling occurs and avoid unwanted crosstalk."

From Science Daily

The technology can sift through vast quantities of data, including "satellite images, radar, electromagnetic waves, sound, drone images and sometimes real-time video," he added.

From Barron's

Dispersion is a fundamental property of electromagnetic waves.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily