irradiate

verb

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ir·ra·di·ate | \ i-ˈrā-dē-ˌāt

irradiated; irradiating

Definition of irradiate

transitive verb

1a : to affect or treat by radiant energy (such as heat) specifically : to treat by irradiation

b : to cast rays of light upon : illuminate

c : to enlighten intellectually or spiritually

2 : to emit like rays of light : radiate irradiating strength and comfort

intransitive verb

archaic : to emit rays : shine

Other Words from irradiate Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About irradiate

Other Words from irradiate

irradiative \ i-ˈrā-dē-ˌā-tiv

\ adjective

irradiator \ i-ˈrā-dē-ˌā-tər

\ noun

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 on the Web Iran would irradiate uranium silicide pellets in the reactor to produce medical isotopes, primarily molybdenum-99. — Richard Stone, Science | AAAS, 15 July 2021 Some large growers do intentionally irradiate their crop, however. — Sara Chodosh, Popular Science, 9 Mar. 2021 The best time to irradiate, the two found, was 5.5 to 5.7 days into the pupal stage, when the adult fly’s ovaries and testes were developing and thus most sensitive to radiation. — Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 26 May 2020 Threatening to irradiate Mount Weather didn’t stop Cage, so Clarke and Bellamy actually did it. — Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 20 May 2020 Many still mourn relatives who were kidnapped as infants and secretly given away for adoption, or died of cancer after being irradiated to treat ringworm upon arrival in Israel. — David M. Halbfinger, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2020 Such fires are more dangerous around Chernobyl, as the trees and plant life are still irradiated from the 1986 nuclear disaster. — NBC News, 6 Apr. 2020 Milk & Milk Alternatives: Condensed, irradiated (aseptic) or powdered milk are important staples. — Courtney Campbell, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2020 Foods can also be irradiated to kill germs this way. — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 30 Dec. 2019 See More

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.