Definition

A unit of measurement for frequency that equals one million cycles per second, commonly used in radio and telecommunications.

Example

The radio station broadcasts at a frequency of 100 megahertz.

Conversation

Did you know that some radio stations broadcast at a frequency of several hundred megahertz?

Really? I always thought they just used one standard frequency.

Nope, the megahertz measurement helps them reach different areas better.

That makes sense! I guess that’s why some stations are clearer than others.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Megahertz is formed from "mega-" (meaning large or million) and "hertz" (named after Heinrich Hertz, a German physicist, meaning cycles per second). The word "megahertz" refers to a frequency of one million cycles per second.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mega' meaning large or million, and 'hertz' as cycles per second — so megahertz means a million cycles per second.

Visually Confused Words