Main Entry: ir·ra·di·a·tion

Pronunciation: \i-ˌrā-dē-ˈā-shən\

Function: noun

Date: 1901

1 : exposure to radiation (as X rays or alpha particles)
2 : the application of radiation (as X rays or gamma rays) for therapeutic purposes or for sterilization (as of food); also : partial or complete sterilization by irradiation