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Irradiate: meaning, definitions and examples

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irradiate

 

[ ɪˈreɪ.dɪ.eɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

scientific use

To irradiate means to expose something to radiation, particularly in a scientific or medical context. This process can be used for various purposes, including sterilization of medical equipment or preservation of food.

Synonyms

expose, illuminate, radiate

Examples of usage

  • The researcher decided to irradiate the samples to study their reaction.
  • Food is often irradiated to kill bacteria and extend shelf life.
  • Doctors may irradiate tumors as part of cancer treatment.
Context #2 | Verb

general

In a more general sense, to irradiate can mean to shine or to emit light, creating a bright or radiant effect.

Synonyms

emit, radiate, shine

Examples of usage

  • The sun irradiates the earth, providing warmth and light.
  • Her smile seemed to irradiate joy and happiness.
  • The city was irradiated with festive lights during the holiday season.

Translations

Translations of the word "irradiate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irradiar

🇮🇳 विकिरण करना

🇩🇪 irradieren

🇮🇩 mengirradiakan

🇺🇦 іррадіювати

🇵🇱 irradiować

🇯🇵 照射する

🇫🇷 irradiée

🇪🇸 irradiar

🇹🇷 ışınlamak

🇰🇷 방사하다

🇸🇦 تشعيع

🇨🇿 irradiační

🇸🇰 žiariť

🇨🇳 辐射

🇸🇮 sevanje

🇮🇸 geisla

🇰🇿 сәулелендіру

🇬🇪 ისხება

🇦🇿 şüalanmaq

🇲🇽 irradiar

Etymology

The word 'irradiate' comes from the Latin 'irradiāre,' which combines the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'upon') and 'radiāre' (meaning 'to radiate'). The incorporation of this term into English occurred in the early 19th century, primarily within scientific contexts related to the study of light and radiation. Its emergence coincided with the advancements in physics and biology, particularly in the understanding of electromagnetic radiation. It was originally used in the context of light emitting from a source, but later expanded to include various forms of radiation in scientific and medical uses. The evolution of the term reflects the increasing significance of radiation in various fields, especially as technological advancements led to new applications of radiological methods.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,018 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.