electromagnetic wave
noun Physics.
a wave produced by the acceleration of an electric charge and propagated by the periodic variation of intensities of, usually, perpendicular electric and magnetic fields.
Also called
electric wave.
Origin of electromagnetic wave
First recorded in 1905–10
Words nearby electromagnetic wave
British Dictionary definitions for electromagnetic waves
electromagnetic wave
noun
a wave of energy propagated in an electromagnetic field
See also electromagnetic radiation
Scientific definitions for electromagnetic waves
electromagnetic wave
A wave of energy consisting of electric and magnetic fields, oscillating at right angles to each other. See more at electromagnetic radiation.
Cultural definitions for electromagnetic waves
electromagnetic waves
Waves composed of undulating electrical fields and magnetic fields. The different kinds of electromagnetic waves, such as light and radio waves, form the electromagnetic spectrum. All electromagnetic waves have the same speed in a vacuum, a speed expressed by the letter c (the speed of light) and equal to about 186,000 miles (or 300,000 kilometers) per second.