hertz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Scientific, Academic
Quick answer
What does “hertz” mean?
The SI unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The SI unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second.
In telecommunications and computing, it refers to clock speeds (e.g., processor speed). In general usage, it can represent any periodic frequency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The unit is international.
Connotations
None beyond its technical meaning.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “hertz” in a Sentence
[Number] + hertzoperate at + [Number] + hertza frequency of + [Number] + hertzVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hertz” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tech industry contexts discussing product specifications (e.g., 'a 3.5 GHz processor').
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, electronics, and computer science texts and lectures.
Everyday
Rare. May be encountered when discussing radio stations, computer/phone specs, or electrical appliances.
Technical
The primary context. Used precisely to denote frequency in physics, signal processing, acoustics, and computing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hertz”
- Using 'hertz' as an adjective (e.g., 'hertz frequency' is redundant; use 'frequency in hertz').
- Incorrect pluralisation (e.g., 'hertzes').
- Confusing it with 'heart's' due to similar pronunciation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both singular and plural. You say '1 hertz' and '100 hertz'.
Heinrich Hertz, the German physicist who first conclusively proved the existence of electromagnetic waves.
Kilohertz (kHz, 10^3 Hz), megahertz (MHz, 10^6 Hz), gigahertz (GHz, 10^9 Hz), and terahertz (THz, 10^12 Hz).
Rarely, unless discussing technology (e.g., computer speed) or radio frequencies. It is predominantly a technical term.
The SI unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second.
Hertz is usually technical, scientific, academic in register.
Hertz: in British English it is pronounced /hɜːts/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɜːrts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of HEART beats per second. 'Hertz' sounds like 'hearts' and measures cycles per second.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term with little metaphorical extension).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'hertz' (Hz) specifically measure?