radiation

American  

[rey-dee-ey-shuhn] / ˌreɪ diˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. 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.

2. the act or process of radiating.

3. something that is radiated.

4. radial arrangement of parts.

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radiation British  

/ ˌreɪdɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. 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

2. Also called: radiation therapy.  med treatment using a radioactive substance

3. anatomy a group of nerve fibres that diverge from their common source

4. See adaptive radiation

5. the act, state, or process of radiating or being radiated

6. surveying the fixing of points around a central plane table by using an alidade and measuring tape

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radiation Scientific  

/ rā′dē-ā′shən /

1. 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.

2. The use of such energy, especially x-rays, in medical diagnosis and treatment.

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radiation Cultural  

1. Energy sent out in the form of particles or waves. (See alpha radiation, beta radiation, blackbody, cosmic rays, electromagnetic radiation, fluorescence, gamma radiation, photon, and quanta.)

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Other Word Forms

• antiradiation adjective
• interradiation noun
• nonradiation noun
• radiational adjective

Etymology

Origin of radiation

First recorded in 1545–55; from Latin radiātiōn-, stem of radiātiō “beam, gleam, shine”; equivalent to radiate + -ion

Example Sentences

Deutsche Bank analysts have noted that space radiation can accelerate the degradation of chips and in-orbit maintenance can be “impractical,” among other things.

From MarketWatch

Other risk factors included being overweight, a lack of exercise, UV radiation and being exposed to threats such as asbestos while working.

From Barron's

These underground structures can naturally shield astronauts from harmful radiation and frequent meteorite impacts.

From Science Daily

These dust-free sources date back to cosmic dawn and are unusual because they emit little to no X-ray radiation, something astronomers did not anticipate based on existing models.

From Science Daily

Doctors presented her mother with a difficult choice: radiation, which could have left her dependent on a wheelchair, or amputation.

From BBC

Related Words

• emission