on the same wavelength

noun

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

on the same wavelength, in sympathy or rapport: We seemed to be on the same wavelength from the moment we met.

Also, wave length.

Origin:
1855–60; wave + length

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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World English Dictionary

wavelength (ˈweɪvˌlɛŋθ)

—n
1.	λ the distance, measured in the direction of propagation, between two points of the same phase in consecutive cycles of a wave
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)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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00:10

On the same wavelength is always a great word to know.

So is doohickey. Does it mean:

a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.

a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.

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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

wavelength

1850, "distance between peaks of a wave," from wave (n.) + length. Originally of spectra; radio sense is attested by 1925. Fig. sense of "mental harmony" is recorded from 1927, on analogy of radio waves.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage

Medical Dictionary

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.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage

Science Dictionary

wavelength

(wāv'lěngkth') Pronunciation Key
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.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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American Heritage

Cultural Dictionary

wavelength definition

The distance between crests (or troughs) of a wave.

Slang Dictionary

on the same wavelength definition

mod.
thinking in the same pattern. : We're not on the same wavelength. Let's try again.

Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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American Heritage

Idioms & Phrases

on the same wavelength

In complete accord, in rapport, as in Conductor, orchestra members, soloists, and chorus all were on the same wavelength, making for a wonderful performance. This term alludes to radio waves that carry a broadcast. [First half of 1900s]

Matching Quote

"Oh, yes, I'd do it all again; the spirit is willing yet; I feel the same desire to do the work but the flesh is weak. It's too bad that our bodies wear out while our interests are just as strong as ever."

-Susan B. Anthony

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