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

Virtue is a potent thing, and our country could use a little extra goodness radiating from its heart.

From Salon

The chair of the Friends of Feltham Green, Angela Parton, said the new cabin and memorial garden would be a "welcoming space" that would "radiate out positive waves" into the local community.

From BBC

But during Tuesday’s hearing, which focused heavily on his many failures during his brief tenure at the FBI, he was radiating an almost frenetic anxiety.

From Salon

Outside the entry gates, father and son Santiago and Omar Zepeda, both sporting bucket hats, had a palpable buzz radiating off them as they eagerly waited to enter the stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

After another LosGothsCo event came to a close, there was an aura of joy that radiated from the crowd and permeated the East L.A. night air.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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