Definition of radiation
1a : the action or process of radiatingb : the process of emitting radiant energy in the form of waves or particlesc (1) : the combined processes of emission, transmission, and absorption of radiant energy (2) : the transfer of heat by radiation — compare conduction, convection
2a : something that is radiatedb : energy radiated in the form of waves or particles
3 : radial arrangement
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Examples of radiation in a Sentence
She was exposed to high levels of radiation.
He goes in for radiation next week.
the sun's radiation of heat
Recent Examples of radiation from the Web
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The findings may pose a dramatic challenge to the nuclear energy industry's position that the radiation released had no effect on human health.
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But our modern-day obsession with being squeaky clean and germ-free — along with other factors like UV radiation, pollution, and topical medications — can reduce or increase the amount of certain bacteria, wreaking havoc on your skin.
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Experts have come to no firm conclusion about the health effects or the amount of radiation released, though government scientists have said the maximum individual dosage was not enough to cause health problems.
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One lawmaker, Democratic Rep. Pricey Harrison of Greensboro, said there are potential health risks from radiation emitted from the towers, including damage to neurological and reproductive systems.
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Previous work to fight insect pests by stopping reproduction has used radiation to sterilize males, which are released in large numbers so wild females breed with them but produce no offspring.
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Previous work to fight insect pests by stopping reproduction has used radiation to sterilize males, which are released in large numbers so wild females breed with them but produce no offspring.
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Its based on research into the effects of far infrared radiation.
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In deep space, on the moon, or even on Mars, gravity is much weaker, and radiation is much more of a danger.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'radiation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
15th Century
First Known Use of radiation
15th century
Other Physics Terms
RADIATION Defined for English Language Learners
radiation
playDefinition of radiation for English Language Learners
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: a type of dangerous and powerful energy that is produced by radioactive substances and nuclear reactions
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medical : the use of controlled amounts of radiation for the treatment of diseases (such as cancer)
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: energy that comes from a source in the form of waves or rays you cannot see
RADIATION Defined for Kids
radiation
playDefinition of radiation for Students
1 : the process of giving off energy in the form of waves or particles
2 : something that is radiated (as light or X-rays)
Medical Dictionary
radiation
playMedical Definition of radiation
1: energy radiated in the form of waves or particles
2a: the action or process of radiating with radiation of the pain there may be tenderness over the sciatic nerve—J. A. Keyb (1): the process of emitting radiant energy in the form of waves or particles (2): the combined processes of emission, transmission, and absorption of radiant energy
3: a tract of nerve fibers within the brain; especially : one concerned with the distribution of impulses arising from sensory stimuli to the relevant coordinating centers and nuclei the optic radiations
Learn More about radiation
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See words that rhyme with radiation Spanish Central: Translation of radiation Nglish: Translation of radiation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of radiation for Arabic speakers
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