hertz

[/hɜːrts/]
nounmasculinepl: hertz or hertzs
hertz
1. The SI unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second, used to measure the number of times a periodic phenomenon occurs in one second
The frequency of the radio signal is 100 hertz.
A frequência do sinal de rádio é de 100 hertz.
2. A unit of measurement for electromagnetic waves, sound waves, and electrical oscillations
The human ear can detect sounds between 20 and 20,000 hertz.
O ouvido humano pode detectar sons entre 20 e 20.000 hertz.
3. A measure of electrical current or voltage oscillation frequency
The power grid operates at 60 hertz in North America.
A rede elétrica funciona em 60 hertz na América do Norte.
The term 'hertz' is a scientific unit named after German physicist Heinrich Hertz. It is universally used in both English and Portuguese-speaking countries without translation, making it a technical cognate. In Brazil, it is commonly used in discussions about electrical standards (60 Hz), audio equipment specifications, and computer processor speeds (measured in gigahertz). The abbreviation 'Hz' is widely understood and used across both continents.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
Hzcycle per second

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
hertz
Standard technical term used in physics, electronics, and engineering contexts
Rio de Janeiro
hertz
Same usage as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
hertz
Common in technical and industrial sectors
Portugal
hertz
Standard technical term, identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

frequencymegahertzgigahertzkilohertzwavelengthoscillationvibration
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