radio wave
noun Electricity.
an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength between 1 millimeter and 30,000 meters, or a frequency between 10 kilohertz and 300,000 megahertz.
Origin of radio wave
First recorded in 1915–20
Words nearby radio wave
radio station,
radio taxi,
radio telescope,
radio tube,
radio valve,
radio wave,
radio waves,
radio window,
radio-,
radio-collar,
radio-controlled
British Dictionary definitions for radio waves
radio wave
noun
an electromagnetic wave of radio frequency
Scientific definitions for radio waves
radio wave
A very low frequency electromagnetic wave (from roughly 30 kilohertz to 100 gigahertz). Radio waves are used for the transmission of radio and television signals; the microwaves used in radar and microwave ovens are also radio waves. Many celestial objects, such as pulsars, emit radio waves. See more at electromagnetic spectrum.
Cultural definitions for radio waves
radio waves
Waves at the end of the electromagnetic spectrum with the lowest frequency (less than 300 megahertz) and the longest wavelength (from a few feet to many miles). Because of their low frequency, radio waves carry very little energy compared to other electromagnetic waves. (See Planck's constant.)
notes for radio waves
Radio waves can pass through the
atmosphere and therefore are very useful for communication. Commercial, short-wave, and citizens' band radio are broadcast with radio waves, as is television.