noun
Uncommon
infrared
ihnf-ruh-REHD
Infrared (noun) means Light energy just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, felt as heat but invisible to the eye. Example: “Night-vision goggles work by detecting infrared given off by warm bodies.”
noun
1
Light energy just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, felt as heat but invisible to the eye.
"Night-vision goggles work by detecting infrared given off by warm bodies."
"The remote control sends signals to the TV using infrared."
"Warm objects glow in infrared, which is why a special camera can see them in the dark."
adj
1
Relating to or using this kind of radiation.
"The camera has an infrared sensor for low-light shots."
"The doctor used an infrared lamp to warm the sore muscle."
"An infrared thermometer can measure your temperature without touching your skin."
How to use infrared
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInvisible heat-radiation light, used in remotes, night vision, and heaters.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
infrared camera
infrared radiation
infrared sensor
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Word forms
- Plural
- infrareds
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Night-vision goggles work by detecting _____ given off by warm bodies.
Etymology
From "infra-" ("below") + "red," describing wavelengths just below visible red light.
Synonyms
View more →
thermal radiation
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for infrared
See all rhymes for infrared →Frequently asked questions
What does “infrared” mean?
The word “infrared” means light energy just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, felt as heat but invisible to the eye. In plain terms, invisible heat-radiation light, used in remotes, night vision, and heaters.
How do you pronounce “infrared”?
“Infrared” is pronounced ihnf-ruh-REHD (/ˌɪnfɹəˈɹɛd/ in IPA).
How do you use “infrared” in a sentence?
Here is “infrared” used in a sentence: “Night-vision goggles work by detecting infrared given off by warm bodies.”
What part of speech is “infrared”?
Depending on how it is used, “infrared” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “infrared” a common word?
“Infrared” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “infrared” have?
“Infrared” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: light energy just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, felt as heat but invisible to the eye.
What is the difference between infrared and ultraviolet?
Infrared is light energy just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, felt as heat but invisible to the eye, while ultraviolet lies beyond the opposite, violet end of the spectrum. Infrared is associated with heat, whereas ultraviolet is associated with higher-energy radiation that can cause sunburn.
Why can't humans see infrared light?
Infrared light falls just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, meaning its wavelengths are outside the range the human eye can detect, though it can still be felt as heat.
What is infrared used for in technology?
Infrared radiation is used in technology relating to or using this kind of energy, such as infrared cameras that detect heat, remote controls, and night-vision devices.
