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radio wave

radio wave

19 3.2
A wave of invisible energy that sends signals to radios and phones
  • noun
  • /ˈreɪdioʊ weɪv/
  • Specialized
translation icon : onda de radio
  • Radio astronomers use large antennas to collect radio waves from all over the universe.
  • emit radio waves
  • pulsars emit radio waves
  • detect radio waves

And unfortunately, radio waves affect her and give her symptoms.

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Examples

  • Rotating neutron stars called pulsars emit radio waves at regular intervals, similar to a lighthouse beacon.

    Academic text (1990)
  • GPS satellites transmit information in the form of radio waves to the GPS receiver held by the user.

    Academic text (2011)
  • It's just as real and just as solid as a cell phone signal or a radio wave.

  • We code and ran radio waves for military aircraft.

  • Imagine being able to control any device... ...simply by sending a command via radio waves.

  • Radio astronomers use large antennas to collect radio waves from all over the universe.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Astronomers were delighted to discover that Jupiter emits a prodigious quantity of radio waves.

    Academic text (2000)
  • GPS satellites transmit information in the form of radio waves to the GPS receiver held by the user.

  • We're constantly surrounded by an ocean of radio waves, but never realize it.

Synonyms

radio signal
vsradio wave
  • Specialized
26 2.7

A wave used to send or receive information through the air

focuses on the physical wavelength range rather than only transmission use
radio frequency
vsradio wave
  • Specialized
13 4.1

A range of waves used to send wireless signals, for example in radios or phones

gives the same communication concept using specific wavelength measurements instead of frequency
radio emission
vsradio wave
  • Specialized
1 5.2

A wave like radio signals that an object sends out

is the identical description emphasizing use for communication signals
radiofrequency
vsradio wave
  • Specialized
1 4.6

A radio wave used for wireless signals or medical treatment

concentrates on defined wavelength limits and mainly communication signals rather than medical use
radio radiation
vsradio wave
  • Specialized
4.0

Waves that carry sound and pictures through the air, like radio and TV signals

is the standard term highlighting that same wavelength range for communication

How Long

long wave
  • Specialized
1 5.9
radio wave
  • Specialized
19 3.2
medium wave
  • Specialized
1 4.5
short wave
  • Specialized
1 4.9

Surface Forms

radio wave singular
radio waves plural

Morphology

radio + wave

The meaning 'an electromagnetic wave used for radio communication' is directly compositional from 'radio' (the broadcasting/communication medium using electromagnetic signals) + 'wave' (a propagating disturbance). This nominal compound follows common compounding patterns found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reliably infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Radio wave comes from the simple image of a radio sending invisible ripples like a wave through the air that move away from the sender. Those invisible ripples 'carry' voice and music, so the name means 'waves that carry signals'.