radiate

[rey-dee-eyt, rey-dee-it, -eyt]

verb (used without object)

radiated, radiating 

1. to extend, spread, or move like rays or radii from a center.

2. to emit rays, as of light or heat; irradiate.

3. to issue or proceed in rays.

4. (of persons) to project or glow with cheerfulness, joy, etc..

   She simply radiates with good humor.

verb (used with object)

radiated, radiating 

1. to emit in rays; disseminate, as from a center.

2. (of persons) to project (joy, goodwill, etc.).

adjective

1. radiating from a center.

2. having rays extending from a central point or part.

   a coin showing a radiate head.

3. radiating symmetrically.

radiate

verb

1. Also: eradiate. to emit (heat, light, or some other form of radiation) or (of heat, light, etc) to be emitted as radiation

2. (intr) (of lines, beams, etc) to spread out from a centre or be arranged in a radial pattern

3. (tr) (of a person) to show (happiness, health, etc) to a great degree

adjective

1. having rays; radiating

2. (of a capitulum) consisting of ray florets

3. (of animals or their parts) showing radial symmetry

4. adorned or decorated with rays

   a radiate head on a coin

Other Word Forms

• radiable adjective
• radiability noun
• radiableness noun
• radiably adverb
• radiately adverb
• antiradiating adjective
• interradiate verb (used without object)
• multiradiate adjective
• multiradiated adjective
• nonradiating adjective
• reradiate verb
• subradiate adjective
• unradiated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of radiate¹

First recorded in 1610–20, radiate is from the Latin word radiātus (past participle of radiāre to radiate light, shine). See radiant, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of radiate¹

C17: from Latin radiāre to emit rays

Example Sentences

She put her hands on the beast’s flank, “which radiated a fierce, heated energy,” while her boyfriend, who had secretly arranged the visit, tossed him a whole chicken.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Today, Wilson’s home radiates with colorful artworks from his private collection and vibrant African wood carvings climbing toward the loft ceiling.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Although the star radiated roughly 100,000 times more light than the Sun, much of its glow was hidden by surrounding dust.

Read more on Science Daily

When Chesson made it home to Richmond, Va. after her exposure, her husband, Patrick Hill, noticed a chemical-like stench radiating from his partner that lasted for weeks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A kindergarten photograph shows an earnest-looking Anne, near the center of the classroom and already radiating an unmistakable charisma.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• beam 
• diffuse 
• diverge 
• emanate 
• emit 
• gleam 
• light up 
• shine 
• transmit