What is an electromagnetic wave?

Question

I answered this query of goring, and I am surprised that my answer:

"An electromagnetic wave is another fancy word for 'light'. Light can be visible, or invisible (like infrared light, radio waves, microwaves, x-rays, gamma rays, UV rays). 

Electromagnetic waves are composed of transverse oscillating electric and magnetic waves." (edited slightly)

is receiving so many "thumbs-down" ratings. What is wrong with this explanation?

What do YOU think electromagnetic waves are?

The Meister · Accepted Answer

I didn't give it a thumbs down, and I think the answer is fine as far as it goes.  However, one problem that I noticed is that you have a circular definition.  You said electromagnetic waves are oscillating electric and magnetic waves.  I assume you meant to say electromagnetic waves are oscillating electric and magnetic *fields*, which is correct.

Nacho Massimino · Answer

I agree with your explanation. Maybe I just don't considere the word electromagnetic as fancy, because as I speak spanish we call light (luz) only the visible part of the spectrum. But all you are saying is correct as far as I understand it.

Thermo · Answer

It is simultanius change of electric and magnetic field,
traveling together with the velocity of light.
(radio, IR, light, UV, X-ray and gamma)

irvingcilloGZ · Answer

in fact, i think that light is a fancy name for a electromagnetic wave :)   ...and the answer you posted is right, it's a kind of magnetic and electric waves traveling perpendicularly between themselves.

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What is an electromagnetic wave?

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