Definition of irradiate
irradiated
;irradiating
transitive verb
1a : to cast rays of light upon : illuminateb : to enlighten intellectually or spirituallyc : to affect or treat by radiant energy (such as heat); specifically : to treat by irradiation
2 : to emit like rays of light : radiate irradiating strength and comfort
intransitive verb
archaic : to emit rays : shine
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Examples of irradiate in a Sentence
The food was irradiated to kill any germs.
the light from a galaxy of flashing signs irradiates the heart and soul of Las Vegas
Recent Examples of irradiate from the Web
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To keep them from being contaminated with modern genetic material, the researchers soaked bones and teeth in hydrochloric acid, irradiated them with ultraviolet light, sand-blasted them, and powdered them in liquid nitrogen.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'irradiate'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of irradiate
Latin irradiatus, past participle of irradiare, from in- + radius ray
First Known Use: 1603
IRRADIATE Defined for English Language Learners
irradiate
playDefinition of irradiate for English Language Learners
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: to expose (someone or something) to radiation
IRRADIATE Defined for Kids
irradiate
playDefinition of irradiate for Students
irradiated
;irradiating
1 : to cast rays of light on
2 : to treat by exposure to radiation (as X-rays)
Medical Dictionary
irradiate
playMedical Definition of irradiate
irradiated
;irradiating
: to affect or treat by radiant energy (as heat); specifically : to treat by exposure to radiation (as ultraviolet light or gamma rays)
Learn More about irradiate
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See words that rhyme with irradiate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for irradiate Spanish Central: Translation of irradiate Nglish: Translation of irradiate for Spanish speakers
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