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wavelengthThe distance between successive crests of a wave, especially electromagnetic waves

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: The distance between successive crests of a wave, especially electromagnetic waves

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈweɪvˌlɛŋkθ/

Example Sentences

  • My mom and I are definitely not on the same wavelength when it comes to fashion choices.
  • The red light has a longer wavelength than blue light.
  • Finally found a coworker on my wavelength - we both think pineapple belongs on pizza!

wavelength

NOUN

[/ˈweɪvˌlɛŋkθ/]

The distance between successive crests of a wave, especially electromagnetic waves

Distance between wave crests
💡 Concept

Distance between wave crests

To catch the wavelength, you need both length and strength!
🎵 Rhyme

To catch the wavelength, you need both length and strength!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈweɪvˌlɛŋkθ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈweɪvˌlɛŋθ/

🌳Etymology

Rootwave
Suffix-length

Origin

Wavelength is a compound word formed in English from 'wave' (from Old English 'wafian' meaning to fluctuate) combined with 'length' (from Old English 'lengðu'). The term emerged in the 19th century as scientific understanding of wave phenomena developed.

Breakdown

wave (oscillating disturbance) + length (distance) = wavelength (distance between successive wave crests)

🎵Rhyme

strengthlengthtenth
strength
length
tenth

🔗Collocations

same wavelength
light wavelength
radio wavelength
different wavelength
wavelength range
on the wavelength

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My mom and I are definitely not on the same wavelength when it comes to fashion choices.

The red light has a longer wavelength than blue light.

😄 Fun example

Finally found a coworker on my wavelength - we both think pineapple belongs on pizza!

Scientists use different wavelengths of light to study distant galaxies.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

frequencywavevibrationoscillation

Antonyms

amplitudestatic

Related

spectrumradiationelectromagneticphysicscommunication

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