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.
Idioms
2.
on the same wavelength, in sympathy or rapport:
We seemed to be on the same wavelength from the moment we met.
When stimulated by light at a proper wavelength, they cascade down to a lower state, emitting light waves of a uniform wavelength.
It cannot ever have a frequency of zero nor a wavelength of zero.
Existing lasers small enough to fit on computer chips have difficulty generating photons of the right wavelength.
The researchers then varied the wavelength and intensity of the signal light and gauged the bats' reactions.
The real destructive power of tsunamis lies not in excessive height, but in their wavelength.
Because this wavelength of light doesn't travel far underwater, a dark red squid is effectively invisible.
When two people experience a deep connection, they're informally described as being on the same wavelength.
The higher the energy of a photon, the shorter is its wavelength.
Lasers all work in much the same way: amplifying light into a concentrated beam of a single wavelength or colour.
L-band refers to the wavelength of the radar signal.
British Dictionary definitions for wavelength
wavelength
/ˈweɪvˌlɛŋθ/
noun
1.
the distance, measured in the direction of propagation, between two points of the same phase in consecutive cycles of a wave λ
2.
the wavelength of the carrier wave used by a particular broadcasting station
3.
(informal) on someone's wavelength, on the same wavelength, having similar views, feelings, or thoughts (as someone else)
Word Origin and History for wavelength
n.
1850, "distance between peaks of a wave," from wave (n.) + length. Originally of spectra; radio sense is attested by 1925. Figurative sense of "mental harmony" is recorded from 1927, on analogy of radio waves.
wavelength in Medicine
wavelength wave·length (wāv'lěngkth', -lěngth') n.
Symbol λ The distance between one peak or crest of a wave of light, heat, or other energy and the next corresponding peak or crest.
wavelength in Science
wavelength
(wāv'lěngkth') 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.
wavelength in Culture
wavelength definition
The distance between crests (or troughs) of a wave.