wavelength
WAYV-length
/ˈweɪv.leŋkθ/
The distance between successive crests or corresponding points of a sound or electromagnetic wave.
Determines sound wave propagation characteristics; low bass notes have very long physical wavelengths.
The story behind the word. A straightforward 19th-century English compound combining Old English 'wagian' (to move to and fro) and 'lengðu' (length). Physicists needed a physical term for measuring wave crest distances on paper and in water.
Word relationships
- wave distance: 'Wave distance' is a non-standard description, whereas 'wavelength' is the precise physical scientific term.
Commonly confused with
- frequency: Wavelength measures physical distance between wave peaks in meters; frequency measures how many peaks pass per second.
Collocations
- long wavelength
- short wavelength
- same wavelength
- dominant wavelength
Idioms & expressions
- on the same wavelength
Example sentences
- "Because low-pitched bass notes have a wavelength of several meters, they easily bend around heavy wall obstacles." Acoustic Engineering
- "After hours of productive discussion, the software developers realized they were finally on the same wavelength." General Conversation
Memory hook
WAVELENGTH measures how long a wave is from top to top. WAVELENGTH is the distance between wave crests.
When not to use
Do not confuse wavelength (physical spatial distance) with frequency (temporal rate per second).
Fun facts
- A deep 20 Hz bass wave in air has a physical wavelength of roughly 17 meters—longer than a semi-trailer truck!
Explore more words
diffraction, refraction, airwaves, electromagnetic, spectrum, radiation
Also appears in
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