irradiate
irradiate Lexical Profile
irradiate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To expose a substance, object, or body tissue to radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or ultraviolet light, for medical treatment, sterilization, or food preservation.
"Food producers often irradiate imported spices to eliminate harmful bacteria and extend shelf life."
To cast light upon something; to shine brightly on or illuminate.
"The rising sun began to irradiate the snow-covered peaks with a warm golden glow."
To brighten or animate someone's face, expression, or mood with joy, warmth, or spiritual enlightenment.
"A sudden smile seemed to irradiate her face as she recognized her old friend in the crowd."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'irradiate' with 'radiate'; while 'radiate' means to emit energy or light outward from a source, 'irradiate' is primarily transitive and means to expose an object or substance to radiation or light.
• Rhymes for irradiate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin irradiatus, the past participle of irradiare ('to shine upon or illuminate'), formed from in- ('upon') and radiare ('to gleam or emit beams'), from radius ('ray' or 'spoke of a wheel').