English · Word Candidate

infrared

/ˌɪnfɹəˈɹɛd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: infrareds

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength longer than visible light, but shorter than microwave radiation, having a wavelength between 700 nm and 1 mm.

Noun

Examples

Collisions of these 'transparent' molecules with the molecules that do have absorption bands in the infrared can have a considerable influence on the intensities of the observed absorption bands.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A specific wavelength in this range.

Noun

Examples

Sonne has shown that by means of the luminous rays the temperature in the tissue may be raised to a higher degree than by the use of the infrareds.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Having a wavelength in the infrared spectrum.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Relating to very low energies or very large distances or time spans.

Adjective

Examples

Unless otherwise stated, we will be working in Euclidean space compactified to a sphere in order to avoid infrared problems.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “infrared” mean?

The electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength longer than visible light, but shorter than microwave radiation, having a wavelength between 700 nm and 1 mm.

Is “infrared” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.