infrared

in-fra-red · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (Of electromagnetic radiation) Having a wavelength just greater than that of red light but less than that of microwaves, used especially in thermal imaging and remote controls.

  2. 2.

    Relating to or using infrared radiation.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    infrared radiation — electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light
  • •
    infrared sensor — device that detects infrared radiation
  • •
    near-infrared — the portion of infrared closest to visible light

Related words

Antonyms: ultraviolet
See also: radiation, spectrum, ultraviolet
Synonyms: IR, heat radiation

Etymology

From Latin infra ("below") + English red. The term refers to radiation with frequencies below those of visible red light, coined by astronomer William Herschel in 1800.