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 wave
electromagnetic wave
noun
a wave of energy propagated in an electromagnetic field
See also electromagnetic radiation
Scientific definitions for electromagnetic wave
electromagnetic wave
A wave of energy consisting of electric and magnetic fields, oscillating at right angles to each other. See more at electromagnetic radiation.