radiant energy

noun

: energy traveling as electromagnetic waves

Examples of radiant energy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The outward push of radiant energy from fusion at its core is what supports the star against the inward pull of its own gravity. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 2 Aug. 2024 Surface temperatures tend to run hotter than the air above, especially on sunny days when surfaces are heated both by air and the Sun's radiant energy. Richard Stone, science.org, 20 May 2024 Infrared vision is the ability of certain animals to perceive infrared light, also known as infrared radiation (IL), a type of radiant energy. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2023 Instead of fuel, the induction cooktop uses radiant energy to transfer heat to the pan or pot. Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2023 People were attracted to her radiant energy. Angie Dimichele, sun-sentinel.com, 4 Nov. 2021 The people in the front row probably could have toasted marshmallows in the radiant energy from his pyrotechnics. al, 21 May 2022 That's a new word that people are using to differentiate an electric stove top from a cooktop that uses induction cooking, which is also an electrical method, but uses non-radiant energy to heat whatever's on it. Wired Staff, WIRED, 19 Jan. 2023 The radiant energy of the music, the vibe, had been an invocation to levitate—but not for everybody. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radiant energy was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near radiant energy

Cite this Entry

“Radiant energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiant%20energy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

radiant energy

noun
: energy transmitted in the form of electromagnetic waves (as heat waves, light waves, radio waves, X-rays)

Medical Definition

radiant energy

noun
: energy traveling as electromagnetic waves

More from Merriam-Webster on radiant energy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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