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

So to one day make fusion a feasible energy source, reactors will need to be built with materials that can survive the heat and irradiation generated by fusion reactions. —Sophie Blondel, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2024

Other processes include laser irradiation, high-voltage pulses, optical sorting, pyrolysis, chemical solvents, etching, and delaminating with a hot knife. —IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing irradiation

• x-irradiation

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