near-infrared

adjective

near-in·​fra·​red ˌnir-ˌin-frə-ˈred How to pronounce near-infrared (audio)
-(ˌ)frä-
: of or relating to the shorter wavelengths of radiation in the infrared spectrum and especially to those between 0.7 and 2.5 micrometers

Examples of near-infrared in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The study specifically examined the female mummy found in tomb 5, and a combination of floodlights, digital cameras and near-infrared imaging showed her detailed tattoos for the very first time. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 July 2025 As the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) shows in these two images, one taken in shorter-wavelength, near-infrared light and the other at mid-infrared wavelengths, the shape of the nebula is surprisingly complex— suggesting there's more going on than meets the eye. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 30 July 2025 This non-invasive therapy uses a combination of yellow, red and near-infrared light delivered in four phases to increase blood flow to the macula and stimulate energy production within the mitochondria of the retinal pigment epithelial cells, the site of pathology in AMD. Melanie Marshall, Oc Register, 23 July 2025 When the barrier was removed, using near-infrared light to return the semi-solid gel to a liquid state, the researchers noticed that the Tpex cells were reactivated and had expanded into more potent, tumor-killing T cells. New Atlas, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for near-infrared

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of near-infrared was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Near-infrared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/near-infrared. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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