electromagnetic wave

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.
Also called electric wave.
Origin
1905-10
Examples from the web for electromagnetic wave
  • In other words, there would be no electromagnetic wave, and thus no light.
  • Light is traditionally explained as an electromagnetic wave with a frequency or wavelength that makes it visible to the human eye.
  • After all, a static magnetic field is merely an electromagnetic wave with a frequency of zero.
  • The properties of these electrons dictate, whether a certain kind of incoming electromagnetic wave will go through or will not.
  • Signals detection was performed by a measurement of the induced electromagnetic wave using a pick-up device.
British Dictionary definitions for electromagnetic wave

electromagnetic wave

noun
1.
a wave of energy propagated in an electromagnetic field See also electromagnetic radiation
electromagnetic wave in Science
electromagnetic wave  
A wave of energy consisting of electric and magnetic fields, oscillating at right angles to each other. See more at electromagnetic radiation.