Nearby Words

wavelengths

[weyv-lengkth, -length, -lenth] Origin

wave·length

[weyv-lengkth, -length, -lenth]
noun
1.
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.
2.
on the same wavelength, in sympathy or rapport: We seemed to be on the same wavelength from the moment we met.

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Wavelengths is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
Also, wave length.


Origin:
1855–60; wave + length
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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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.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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