Pronunciation: [ˌɪnfɹəɹˈɛdz] (IPA) 
The term "infrareds" refers to a range of electromagnetic radiation beyond the range of visible light. The spelling of the word is based on the prefix "infra," meaning "below," and the suffix "-red," indicating the color red. The pronunciation of "infrareds" is [ɪnfrərɛdz], with the stress on the first syllable. The "infra" syllable is pronounced with the short "i" sound and the final "s" is pronounced as a voiced "z" sound.
Infrareds refer to a type of electromagnetic radiation that falls within the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The term "infrared" is derived from the Latin words "infra," meaning below, and "ruber," meaning red, since this type of radiation lies just below the red portion of the visible light spectrum. Infrared radiation has longer wavelengths than those of visible light, ranging from approximately 700 nanometers (nm) up to 1 millimeter (mm).
The infrared region is divided into three main categories based on wavelength: near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), and far-infrared (FIR). Each category encompasses a specific range of wavelengths within the infrared spectrum. Near-infrared radiation has shorter wavelengths and is closer to the red portion of the visible light spectrum, while far-infrared radiation has longer wavelengths and is closer to the microwave region.
Infrared radiation is invisible to the human eye; however, it can be detected using specialized devices such as infrared cameras and sensors. Due to their ability to detect heat signatures and thermal emissions, infrared technologies are widely used in various applications, including night vision devices, thermal imaging cameras, remote temperature measurements, and communication systems.
In summary, infrareds constitute a range of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. They are utilized for capturing and analyzing heat signatures or thermal emissions, leading to various applications in industries such as surveillance, medical imaging, and telecommunications.
The word "infrareds" is a noun derived from the adjective "infrared".
The term "infrared" was coined in the early 19th century, combining the Latin prefix "infra", meaning "below", and the English word "red". This is because infrared radiation lies just below the visible light spectrum, with longer wavelengths than red light. The term was first used by the astronomer Sir William Herschel in 1800 when he discovered invisible radiation beyond the red end of the visible spectrum. Later, in the mid-20th century, "infrared" was expanded into "infrareds" to refer to objects or devices that emit or detect infrared radiation.
