radiate
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to extend, spread, or move like rays or radii from a center.
-
to emit rays, as of light or heat; irradiate.
-
to issue or proceed in rays.
-
(of persons) to project or glow with cheerfulness, joy, etc..
She simply radiates with good humor.
verb (used with object)
-
to emit in rays; disseminate, as from a center.
-
(of persons) to project (joy, goodwill, etc.).
adjective
-
radiating from a center.
-
having rays extending from a central point or part.
a coin showing a radiate head.
-
radiating symmetrically.
verb
-
Also: eradiate. to emit (heat, light, or some other form of radiation) or (of heat, light, etc) to be emitted as radiation
-
(intr) (of lines, beams, etc) to spread out from a centre or be arranged in a radial pattern
-
(tr) (of a person) to show (happiness, health, etc) to a great degree
adjective
-
having rays; radiating
-
(of a capitulum) consisting of ray florets
-
(of animals or their parts) showing radial symmetry
-
adorned or decorated with rays
a radiate head on a coin
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of radiate
First recorded in 1610–20, radiate is from the Latin word radiātus (past participle of radiāre to radiate light, shine). See radiant, -ate 1
Explanation
When something radiates, it sends out waves or rays. The sun radiates light and warmth. If your house has a radiator, that might help you remember this word, because the radiator radiates warmth. Radiating is a concept that applies to anything that emits rays or waves. People camping make a fire so it can radiate light and heat. Our bodies radiate some heat, but not nearly as much as something as hot as a stove. If a nuclear reactor is damaged, it could radiate dangerous nuclear energy — or radiation.
Vocabulary lists containing radiate
Bud, Not Buddy
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Achievement First 6th Grade IA 1 Words
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Maus II: And Here My Troubles Began" by Art Spiegelman
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At the Radiate Windrush Festival in south London in June, there was one stall that didn't get much love and attention.
From BBC • Jul. 27, 2022
"Radiate love! That's what I'm all about," Wille said as he guided a visitor through the gallery.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 17, 2015
Some 450 people have been through leadership programmes initiated by Radar and the charity established a network of high flyers, Radiate, with the support of Lloyds bank.
From The Guardian • Aug. 20, 2012
The Vertebrate arises from the egg differently from the Articulate,—the Articulate differently from the Mollusk,—the Mollusk differently from the Radiate.
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 09, No. 51, January, 1862 by Various
The volume was "Every Man a King," by Orison Swett Marden, and the uncrowned monarch reading it was busy with the thirteenth chapter, to wit: "Thoughts Radiate as Influence."
From Plum Pudding Of Divers Ingredients, Discreetly Blended & Seasoned by Morley, Christopher
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
