ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wavelength

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈweɪvˌɫɛŋθ// UK //wˈeɪvlɛŋθ// wave·length

n. the distance between two peaks of a wave, like light or sound. You also use it to describe how people think, especially when two people understand each other perfectly.

n. the spatial period of a periodic wave, measured as the distance between consecutive corresponding points such as crests. It frequently appears in idiomatic contexts to indicate a shared perspective or mutual understanding.


SIMPLE

Red light has a longer wavelength than blue light.

CONTEXTUAL

We tried working together on the new design, but we just weren't on the same wavelength.

COMPLEX

The new telescope captures images at infrared wavelengths, allowing astronomers to peer through dense cosmic dust clouds that obscure visible light.

Origin

From wave + length.

Usage

Often used idiomatically in the prepositional phrase 'on the same wavelength' to indicate mutual understanding.

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