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

For instance, one simulation might examine how hydrogen moves within a material during irradiation. —Sophie Blondel, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2024

Fears of irradiation from antennas threaten to smother smart meters in the crib G. Pascal Zachary 24 Jun 2011 6 min read G. Pascal Zachary researches and writes about the past, present, and future of technological change. —IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2011

The Whitney has a fumigation guy who uses a process called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. —Jake Offenhartz, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025

The team will perform analysis to assess how well the coatings performed after irradiation as well as operational fuel protection capabilities. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing irradiation

• x-irradiation

Rhymes for irradiation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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