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Glite Dictionary
radio-frequency spectrum

radio-frequency spectrum

4.5
A range of radio waves used to send signals for radio, TV and mobile phones
  • noun
  • /ˈreɪdioʊ ˈfrikwənsi ˈspɛktrəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : espectro de radiofrecuencia
  • Mobile phones rely on access to the radio-frequency spectrum to connect users wirelessly.

Examples

  • The engineers studied the radio-frequency spectrum to improve wireless communication systems.

  • Allocating the radio-frequency spectrum efficiently is crucial for new technologies like 5G and satellite communication.

  • The government regulates the radio-frequency spectrum to prevent interference between different broadcasters.

  • The radio-frequency spectrum is essential for modern communication.

  • Have you studied the radio-frequency spectrum in your physics class?

  • The FCC regulates the radio-frequency spectrum, allocating frequencies for various forms of communication.

  • Understanding the radio-frequency spectrum is essential for developing new technologies like 5G networks.

Synonyms

band
vsradio-frequency spectrum
  • Specialized
66 4.8

A range of radio waves used for signals

is the overall range used for many wireless services rather than a narrow segment
frequency band
vsradio-frequency spectrum
  • Specialized
2 4.2

A range of radio waves used for one purpose, like TV or radio

is broader covering the whole communications frequency range rather than one allocation
radio spectrum
vsradio-frequency spectrum
  • Specialized
1 5.4

A range of radio waves used to send TV, phone, and Wi‑Fi signals

is the standard formal label for that same frequency range
airwaves
vsradio-frequency spectrum
1 3.7

The radio and television signals that carry programs to many people

is a more technical term covering all wireless frequencies rather than just broadcasts
waveband
vsradio-frequency spectrum
  • Specialized
1 7.0

A range of radio waves used to send signals like TV or radio

focuses on broadcasting use rather than the entire communications range

Surface Forms

radio-frequency spectrum singular
radio-frequency spectrums plural

Morphology

radio-frequency + spectrum

The phrase is directly compositional: 'spectrum' means a range and 'radio-frequency' (radio + frequency) specifies the portion of the electromagnetic range used for radio/wireless services. This modifier+noun structure is transparent and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can reliably infer the meaning.

Etymology

The term radio-frequency spectrum comes from the old idea of spectrum, which first meant the range of colours in a rainbow. People started to use spectrum for any 'range', and added radio and frequency to show what kind of range. That's why radio-frequency spectrum means 'the range of radio signals used for wireless communication'.