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visible light — The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye, typically with wavelengths from about 400 to 700 nanometers.

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye, typically with wavelengths from about 400 to 700 nanometers.

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈvɪzəbl laɪt/

Example Sentences

  • My cat can see in the dark better than me, but she still can't see beyond visible light like a bat can with sound.
  • A rainbow appears because visible light is separated into different colors by raindrops.
  • Engineers use visible light communication to send data through LED bulbs, which sounds like something from a sci-fi movie.

visible light

NOUN

[/ˈvɪzəbl laɪt/]

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye, typically with wavelengths from about 400 to 700 nanometers.

A prism splits sunlight into visible light, revealing the full rainbow spectrum.
💡 Concept

A prism splits sunlight into visible light, revealing the full rainbow spectrum.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈvɪzəbl laɪt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈvɪzəbl laɪt/

🌳Etymology

Rootvis
Suffix--ible

Origin

Visible derives from Latin videre (to see), with the suffix -ible (capable of) added to form 'able to be seen'. Light comes from Old English leoht, meaning 'illumination or radiance'. The compound term refers to electromagnetic radiation perceptible to the human eye, distinguishing it from infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths.

Breakdown

vid- (to see, from Latin videre) + -ible (capable of, able to be) + light (illumination, from Old English leoht). Together: 'light capable of being seen' or radiation visible to human perception.

🎵Rhyme

feasible light
flexible sight
invisible light

🔗Collocations

visible light spectrum
visible light range
emit visible light
absorb visible light
visible light wavelength
visible light communication
detect visible light

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat can see in the dark better than me, but she still can't see beyond visible light like a bat can with sound.”

“A rainbow appears because visible light is separated into different colors by raindrops.”

😄 Fun example

“Engineers use visible light communication to send data through LED bulbs, which sounds like something from a sci-fi movie.”

“Plants absorb visible light for photosynthesis, mostly in the red and blue wavelengths.”

📚Related Words

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