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.
Bolometers are therefore used for astronomy at these wavelengths.
And in fact, people experience a whole range of wavelengths as blue.
British Dictionary definitions for wavelengths
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 wavelengths
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.
wavelengths 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.
wavelengths 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.
wavelengths in Culture
wavelength definition
The distance between crests (or troughs) of a wave.