electromagnetic radiation

noun

: energy in the form of electromagnetic waves
also : a series of electromagnetic waves

Examples of electromagnetic radiation 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.
Solar flares are sudden bursts of electromagnetic radiation — a form of energy that includes radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays and visible light — from the sun's surface. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 22 May 2025 Light is electromagnetic radiation: basically, an electric wave and a magnetic wave coupled together and traveling through space-time. Jarred Roberts, The Conversation, 20 May 2025 Solar flares are bursts on the sun’s surface that send electromagnetic radiation, including X-rays and extreme ultraviolet radiation (EUV), hurtling through space—and sometimes, they’re pointed at Earth. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025 Any rotating, axially symmetrical body that absorbs electromagnetic radiation—such as a metal cylinder—can also exhibit superradiance under certain circumstances. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for electromagnetic radiation

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electromagnetic radiation was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Electromagnetic radiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electromagnetic%20radiation. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

electromagnetic radiation

noun
: energy in the form of electromagnetic waves
also : a series of electromagnetic waves

Medical Definition

electromagnetic radiation

noun
: a series of electromagnetic waves

More from Merriam-Webster on electromagnetic radiation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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