electromagnetic pulse

noun

: a pulse of high-intensity electromagnetic radiation generated especially by a nuclear blast high above the earth's surface and held to disrupt electronic and electrical systems
Any nuclear bomb detonated high above the atmosphere bathes the area below in a powerful electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that is likely to burn out delicate electronic chips, transistors, computers and power and communication systems. The pulse happens at the speed of light, covering an entire continent.William Broad
abbreviation EMP

Examples of electromagnetic pulse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Additionally, the plane has shielding over every bit of its wiring and electronics to protect it from a potential electromagnetic pulse, such as one caused by a nuclear weapon. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2025 As one of his final acts before heading underground, Bradford refrained from pushing the button, instead triggering an electromagnetic pulse that would disable the nukes, along with the rest of the world’s electronics. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025 The one Stanley built has three antennas with bandwidth from 20 to 80 megahertz (MHz) to record powerful electromagnetic pulses in the very high-frequency range that lightning is known to produce. IEEE Spectrum, 11 July 2019 Optional features include smoke screens, thermal night-vision and electromagnetic pulse protection. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for electromagnetic pulse

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electromagnetic pulse was in 1951

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Cite this Entry

“Electromagnetic pulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electromagnetic%20pulse. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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