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radiative

American  
[rey-dee-ey-tiv] / ˈreɪ diˌeɪ tɪv /
Also radiatory

adjective

  1. giving off radiation.


radiative British  
/ ˈreɪdɪətərɪ, -trɪ, ˈreɪdɪətɪv /

adjective

  1. physics emitting or causing the emission of radiation

    a radiative collision

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of radiative

First recorded in 1830–40; radiat(ion) + -ive

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.

See Examples For:

The research centers on a phenomenon known as near-field radiative heat transfer.

From Science Daily Jun. 8, 2026

The study, "An empirical view of the extended atmosphere and inner envelope of the asymptotic giant branch star R Doradus II. Constraining the dust properties with radiative transfer modelling," is published in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

From Science Daily Jan. 12, 2026

The magnetic fields can be measured through the Zeeman effect of radiative emissions of atoms and molecules.

From Salon Apr. 16, 2025

This passive radiative cooling material demonstrates promising energy-saving potential with weather resistance and high mechanic strength, reducing the cooling demand of an indoor environment.

From Science Daily Jan. 3, 2024

Equally important is the inquiry into the mechanism of radiative equilibrium in sun and stars.

From Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by Todd, David Peck

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