electromagnetic wave

noun, Physics.

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 waves

The quiet lets astronomers measure electromagnetic waves thrown off by space-borne molecules when they become heated or collide.
The team used an antenna to expose some of the mice to electromagnetic waves that approximated two hours of daily cell phone use.
electromagnetic waves are its agents through which it works.
Naturally occurring materials, by contrast, don't interact with the magnetic component of electromagnetic waves.
Remote sensing method using short high frequency electromagnetic waves reflected or radiated from the ground.
Accelerating free electrons radiate electromagnetic waves.
electromagnetic waves of all different lengths are found in space, including microwaves.
Changing currents give rise to electromagnetic waves.
All electromagnetic waves move at the same speed and differ from one another in their frequency.
Radio waves are described as electromagnetic waves with a particular range of frequencies.

British Dictionary definitions for electromagnetic waves

electromagnetic wave

noun

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

electromagnetic waves 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.

electromagnetic waves in Culture

electromagnetic waves definition

Waves composed of undulating electrical fields and magnetic fields. The different kinds of electromagnetic waves, such as light and radio waves, form the electromagnetic spectrum. All electromagnetic waves have the same speed in a vacuum, a speed expressed by the letter c (the speed of light) and equal to about 186,000 miles (or 300,000 kilometers) per second.