terahertz

noun

tera·​hertz ˈter-ə-ˌhərts How to pronounce terahertz (audio)
-ˌherts
plural terahertz
: a unit of frequency equal to one trillion hertz
Visible light occupies the neighborhood of 300 terahertz, which is 300 x 1012 cycles per second.Dave Doody
Terahertz waves also occupy a unique window of the electromagnetic spectrum where a large number of molecules emit and absorb radiation.Michael C. Wanke et al.

Examples of terahertz in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Ranging in frequency from 0.1 to 10 terahertz, terahertz rays could be key to future high-speed wireless networks, which will transmit data at terabits (trillions of bits) per second. IEEE Spectrum, 23 Apr. 2024 Many studies have looked at various aspects of operating in the terahertz regime. IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2024 Compared to traditional antennas that have a limited range of tuned frequencies, broadband Rydberg atomic receivers can operate across a huge span of frequencies ranging from HF long-wavelength to millimeter-wavelength frequencies in the terahertz spectrum. Paul Smith-Goodson, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 To achieve high-resolution terahertz imaging without superlensing, Tuniz and Kuhlmey would have to place an expensive probe less than a millimeter away from the sample being observed. IEEE Spectrum, 31 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for terahertz 

Word History

Etymology

tera- + hertz

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of terahertz was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near terahertz

Cite this Entry

“Terahertz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terahertz. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!