irradiation

noun

ir·​ra·​di·​a·​tion i-ˌrā-dē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce irradiation (audio)
1
: exposure to radiation (such as X-rays or alpha particles)
2
: the application of radiation (such as X-rays or gamma rays) for therapeutic purposes or for sterilization (as of food)
also : partial or complete sterilization by irradiation

Examples of irradiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web So to one day make fusion a feasible energy source, reactors will need to be built with materials that can survive the heat and irradiation generated by fusion reactions. Sophie Blondel, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2024 Other processes include laser irradiation, high-voltage pulses, optical sorting, pyrolysis, chemical solvents, etching, and delaminating with a hot knife. IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2024 The lineup, which consists of a mechanical keyboard, mouse, and headset, uses mechanical movement and solar irradiation to power it rather than external charging. Condé Nast, WIRED, 5 Aug. 2023 Geochemists have long questioned whether these gases came from primordial reservoirs or were added after our planet formed from irradiation by the solar wind or on helium-bearing meteorites. Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 2 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for irradiation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irradiation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of irradiation was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near irradiation

Cite this Entry

“Irradiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irradiation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

irradiation

noun
ir·​ra·​di·​a·​tion ir-ˌād-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce irradiation (audio)
1
a
: the radiation of a physiologically active agent from a point of origin within the body
especially : the spread of a nerve impulse beyond the usual conduction path
b
: apparent enlargement of a light or bright object or surface when displayed against a dark background
2
a
: exposure to radiation (as X-rays or alpha particles)
b
: application of radiation (as X-rays or gamma rays) for therapeutic purposes or for sterilization (as of food)
3
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!