emanation

noun

em·​a·​na·​tion ˌe-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce emanation (audio)
1
a
: the action of emanating
b
: the origination of the world by a series of hierarchically descending radiations from the Godhead through intermediate stages to matter
2
a
: something that emanates or is produced by emanation : effluence
b
: an isotope of radon produced by radioactive disintegration
radium emanation
emanative adjective

Examples of emanation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Like the journey to Mecca, which started as a pre-Islamic pilgrimage common to many tribes of the Arabian Peninsula, this fiesta is at bottom an emanation of Andean culture. Aatish Taseer, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2023 All the same, his complaint-ish emanations existed and persisted in the smoky air between us. William T. Vollmann, Harper's Magazine, 16 Oct. 2023 Yet one of the immediately noticeable qualities of 25-year-old Matteo Bocelli is an innate serenity, a perfect emanation of those polite manners that contributed to making his father Andrea Bocelli an icon of music and style famous in Italy and around the world. Billboard Italy, Billboard, 22 Sep. 2023 By providing access to expert knowledge and opportunities democratized by A1 Capital FX or A1 Trading Academy - as well as inspiring many aspiring traders - Brian Crandell remains an emanation of hope, helping individuals to unlock their full potential within this dynamic field of trading. Sixteen Ramos, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2023 Titian was, however, uncommonly alive to the softly pulsing, mortal emanations of other people. Washington Post, 20 July 2023 Drummer Tim Wyskida bashed those riffs down from the sky while bassist James Plotkin accented with more subterranean emanations. Andy O'Connor, SPIN, 25 May 2023 Two emanations of the holy city of Los Angeles; two distinct transits across the firmament. James Parker, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2023 Could there be some ground source emanation? Austen Erblat, sun-sentinel.com, 2 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emanation.' 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

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of emanation was in 1570

Dictionary Entries Near emanation

Cite this Entry

“Emanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emanation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

emanation

noun
em·​a·​na·​tion ˌem-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce emanation (audio)
1
: the action of emanating
2
a
: something that emanates or is produced by emanation
b
: a heavy gaseous element produced by radioactive disintegration
radium emanation
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