wavelength

wave +‎ length

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈweɪvlɛŋ(k)θ/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈweɪvˌlɛŋ(k)θ/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

wavelength (plural wavelengths)

1. (physics) The length of a single cycle of a wave, as measured by the distance between one peak or trough of a wave and the next; it is often designated in physics as λ, and corresponds to the velocity of the wave divided by its frequency.
   • 1983, Wall of Voodoo (lyrics and music), “Mexican Radio”, in Call of the West:

     I'd take requests on the telephone / I'm on a wavelength far from home

2. (figurative) A person's attitude and way of thinking as compared to another person's.

   I think you and I are on a different wavelength.

• on the same wavelength