radiation

[ rey-dee-ey-shuh n ]
/ ˌreɪ diˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

Physics.
  1. the process in which energy is emitted as particles or waves.
  2. the complete process in which energy is emitted by one body, transmitted through an intervening medium or space, and absorbed by another body.
  3. the energy transferred by these processes.
the act or process of radiating.
something that is radiated.
radial arrangement of parts.

Origin of radiation

1545–55; < Latin radiātiōn- (stem of radiātiō) a glittering, shining. See radiate, -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM radiation

ra·di·a·tion·al, adjective an·ti·ra·di·a·tion, adjective in·ter·ra·di·a·tion, noun non·ra·di·a·tion, noun

Example sentences from the Web for radiation

British Dictionary definitions for radiation

radiation
/ (ˌreɪdɪˈeɪʃən) /

noun

physics
  1. the emission or transfer of radiant energy as particles, electromagnetic waves, sound, etc
  2. the particles, etc, emitted, esp the particles and gamma rays emitted in nuclear decay
Also called: radiation therapy med treatment using a radioactive substance
anatomy a group of nerve fibres that diverge from their common source
the act, state, or process of radiating or being radiated
surveying the fixing of points around a central plane table by using an alidade and measuring tape

Derived forms of radiation

radiational, adjective

Medical definitions for radiation

radiation
[ rā′dē-āshən ]

n.

Scientific definitions for radiation

radiation
[ rā′dē-āshən ]

  1. Streams of photons, electrons, small nuclei, or other particles. Radiation is given off by a wide variety of processes, such as thermal activity, nuclear reactions (as in fission), and by radioactive decay.
  2. The emission or movement of such particles through space or a medium, such as air. See Notes at conduction electromagnetic radiation.
The use of such energy, especially x-rays, in medical diagnosis and treatment.

Cultural definitions for radiation