infrared

adjective

in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
-(ˌ)frä-,
-fə-
1
: situated outside the visible spectrum at its red end
used of radiation having a wavelength between about 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter
2
: relating to, producing, or employing infrared radiation
infrared therapy
3
: sensitive to infrared radiation
infrared sensors that detect body heat
infrared noun

Examples of infrared in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 35-pound Javelin ranges as far as 2.5 miles under infrared guidance. David Axe, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 There’s also a front-facing speaker and a tiny working infrared remote control. Simon Hill, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024 The researchers used advanced techniques, including gas chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, to determine what the tunic was made from. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Plastics, specifically, have special attributes in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) electromagnetic spectrum that aren’t present in sand or other organic debris. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infrared 

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of infrared was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near infrared

Cite this Entry

“Infrared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infrared. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

infrared

adjective
in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
-(ˌ)frä-
: being, relating to, producing, or using rays like light but lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end
infrared radiation
infrared noun

Medical Definition

infrared

1 of 2 adjective
in·​fra·​red ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce infrared (audio)
1
: lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end
used of radiation having a wavelength between about 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter
2
: relating to, producing, or employing infrared radiation
infrared therapy

infrared

2 of 2 noun
: infrared radiation

More from Merriam-Webster on infrared

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