Radiation: meaning, definitions and examples

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radiation

 

[ reɪdiˈeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

nuclear

The process of emitting energy in the form of particles or waves through nuclear reactions or decay.

Synonyms

emission, exposure, radiance

Examples of usage

  • The sun emits radiation in the form of light and heat.
  • Exposure to high levels of radiation can be harmful to human health.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

The treatment of disease, especially cancer, using high-energy radiation such as X-rays or gamma rays.

Synonyms

irradiation, radiotherapy

Examples of usage

  • She underwent radiation therapy to target the tumor.
  • Radiation can be an effective way to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.
Context #3 | Noun

physics

The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, especially high-energy particles that cause ionization.

Synonyms

emission, energy release, particle emission

Examples of usage

  • Alpha particles are a form of radiation.
  • Radiation can be classified as ionizing or non-ionizing.

Translations

Translations of the word "radiation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 radiação

🇮🇳 विकिरण

🇩🇪 Strahlung

🇮🇩 radiasi

🇺🇦 випромінювання

🇵🇱 promieniowanie

🇯🇵 放射線

🇫🇷 radiation

🇪🇸 radiación

🇹🇷 radyasyon

🇰🇷 방사선

🇸🇦 إشعاع

🇨🇿 radiace

🇸🇰 žiarenie

🇨🇳 辐射

🇸🇮 sevanje

🇮🇸 geislun

🇰🇿 сәуле шығару

🇬🇪 რადიაცია

🇦🇿 radiasiya

🇲🇽 radiación

Etymology

The word 'radiation' comes from the Latin word 'radiatio', which means 'a shining, beaming, radiance'. The modern usage of the term in the context of nuclear science and medicine emerged in the early 20th century with the discovery of X-rays and radioactivity. Radiation plays a crucial role in various fields, from medical treatments to energy production, but also poses risks if not properly managed.

See also: radiating.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,124, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.