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 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 This drop in blood pressure was sustained for 20 minutes after the irradiation stopped. Carrie Arnold, Discover Magazine, 23 Jan. 2014 In the late 1960s and 70s, thousands of patients who had received ringworm irradiation treatment would also begin to present with cancers, localized to the site that received the greatest irradiation - the head and neck region. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2015 An artificial leaf is tested by being subjected to solar irradiation inside of a photoreactor. IEEE Spectrum, 5 June 2023 Ringworm irradiation was a cheap and proactive fix for a social and microbial contagion. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2015 And red, green and black hues are achieved through an irradiation process that alters the way the finished stone reflects light. Joan Meiners, Discover Magazine, 24 Mar. 2021 What makes the system interesting is Mitsubishi Electric’s virtual-focus imaging of moving objects uses a single irradiation from one direction. IEEE Spectrum, 17 Apr. 2023

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 18 Mar. 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
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