Definition

Noun: * Very Low Frequency: A radio frequency band in the range of 3 to 30 kilohertz, characterized by long wavelengths and the ability to propagate over long distances, especially underwater and underground.

Usage

• Very Low Frequency is a technical term used primarily in telecommunications, radio science, and engineering. It is often written in its abbreviated form, VLF.
• It functions as a noun, typically used as a modifier for other nouns (e.g., VLF band, VLF signal, VLF transmission).

Examples

• Submarine communication often relies on VLF signals because they can penetrate seawater.
• Scientists study atmospheric phenomena by monitoring natural VLF emissions like whistlers.
• The transmitter is designed to operate in the VLF band.

Advanced Usage

• VLF can be used attributively to describe technologies and phenomena: , , .
• In scientific contexts, it is often contrasted with other frequency bands like ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) and LF (Low Frequency).

Variants and Related Words

• ELF (Extremely Low Frequency): The adjacent, lower frequency band (below 3 kHz).
• LF (Low Frequency): The adjacent, higher frequency band (30 to 300 kHz).
• Radio Wave: The broader category of electromagnetic radiation to which VLF belongs.

Synonyms

• Very Low Frequency (full form)
• Myriametric wave (an older term referring to its ten-thousand-meter wavelength scale)

Notes

• VLF is an initialism. It is pronounced by saying each letter: "Vee-El-Eff."
• This term is highly specialized and is not commonly used in everyday conversation outside of specific technical fields.

Noun

1. 3 to 30 kilohertz