infrared
n. · adj.-
1 invisible light/heat (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Sciencea type of light that you cannot see, but you can feel it as heat.
electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 700 nm and 1 mm, situated between the visible spectrum and microwaves.
ExampleThe snake can find its prey in the dark by sensing infrared.
ExampleThe telescope captures infrared to peer through dense clouds of space dust that block our view of distant stars.
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when referring to the radiation itself.
- thermal radiation
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2 using infrared light (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Sciencedescribes technology or light that uses the infrared part of the spectrum.
relating to or using electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum.
ExampleYou can use an infrared remote to change the TV channel.
ExampleSecurity teams used infrared cameras to monitor the perimeter of the building during the blackout.
UsageThis adjective is non-gradable; something cannot be 'more infrared' than something else.
From infra- + red.