irradiation

noun

ir·​ra·​di·​a·​tion i-ˌrā-dē-ˈā-shən 

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 experiment used room-temperature electron irradiation, not the low-temperature neutron environment expected inside a fusion system. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Moreover, tritium is easier to produce than plutonium, which has to be created in a costly and complex technological process that involves the irradiation of uranium in a nuclear reactor. — Tereza Pultarova, IEEE Spectrum, 10 Aug. 2026

Many of these molecules formed after the irradiation. — Siddhant Pusdekar, Quanta Magazine, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing irradiation

• x-irradiation

Rhymes for irradiation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

irradiation

noun

ir·​ra·​di·​a·​tion ir-ˌād-ē-ˈā-shən 

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

: irradiance