Radiation
/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe process by which energy is emitted or transmitted in the form of waves or particles.
/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən/
The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles.
The scientist measured the radiation emitted by the radioactive material.
💡 Simply: Imagine a superhero that shoots beams of energy. Radiation is like those beams—it's energy that's spreading out from something, like the sun, a microwave, or even certain rocks. It can be good (like the sun helping plants grow) or bad (like too much sun causing sunburn).
👶 For kids: It's like when the sun sends out light and warmth. Or when a lightbulb gives off light. Radiation is when stuff spreads out energy.
More Examples
Exposure to high levels of radiation can be harmful to humans.
Solar radiation is the primary source of energy for the Earth.
The radiation leak at the nuclear power plant caused widespread concern.
How It's Used
"The sun's radiation provides warmth and light to the Earth."
"The patient underwent radiation therapy to treat the tumor."
"Some organisms are adapted to survive in environments with high levels of radiation."
The process or act of emitting or spreading out from a central source.
/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃən/
The act or process of radiating.
The radiation of heat from the stove made the kitchen warmer.
💡 Simply: It's like when you have a warm oven, and the heat radiates out into the kitchen. Or when your excitement for a birthday radiates to everyone else.
👶 For kids: It's like when a fire sends out warmth and light. It's when something's energy spreads out.
More Examples
The radiation of excitement among the fans was palpable before the concert.
The building's design allowed for the efficient radiation of light.
How It's Used
"The radiation of warmth from the fireplace made the room comfortable."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
radiation therapy
The use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
"The patient underwent radiation therapy to shrink the tumor."
nuclear radiation
The emission of ionizing radiation from the nucleus of an atom.
"Nuclear radiation poses a significant risk to human health."
From Latin *radiatio* ("a beaming, shining"), from *radiare* ("to radiate"), from *radius* ("ray"). The scientific sense developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the study of radioactivity.
The concept of radiation in a scientific context developed significantly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with discoveries in radioactivity and electromagnetic waves.
Memory tip
Think of the sun's rays emanating outward.
Word Origin
"ray, spoke of a wheel"