Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Irradiate: meaning, definitions and examples

🌟
Add to dictionary

irradiate

 

[ɪˈreɪ.dɪ.eɪt ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'irradiatus', which means 'to send forth rays'.
  • It combines 'in-' meaning 'within' and 'radiate', which relates to beams or rays of light.
  • The prefix 'irr-' implies a sense of intensity or fullness when sending out energy.

Science

  • In physics, it describes the emission of energy, particularly in the form of electromagnetic waves.
  • Medical applications include using radiation to treat cancer cells, designed to irradiate affected areas without harming the surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Irradiation is also involved in food safety, as low-level radiation can kill harmful bacteria in certain foods.

Cultural Significance

  • Irradiation is often thematically used in science fiction to symbolize the dangers of uncontrolled technology.
  • In art, the concept is depicted to explore themes of enlightenment and transformation, as light often symbolizes knowledge.
  • Environmental movements sometimes reference irradiation to discuss the impacts of nuclear energy and radiation on nature.

Literature

  • In literature, authors have used the concept of irradiation as a metaphor for inspiration illuminating one's mind.
  • Poets often liken joy or knowledge to a radiant light that spreads, drawing parallels with the word’s meaning.
  • Classic novels sometimes feature characters who 'irradiate' warmth or kindness, marking them as positive figures.

Pop Culture

  • Some superhero comics feature characters who can irradiate energy, often giving them powers related to light or heat.
  • Films involving nuclear themes often use irradiation to heighten drama or depict the risks of atomic energy.
  • Music and visual art sometimes harness the notion of radiating energy to describe emotional states or experiences.

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

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.