irradiate
verb
ir·ra·di·ate
i-ˈrā-dē-ˌāt 
irradiated; irradiating
1
a
: to affect or treat by radiant energy (such as heat)
specifically
: to treat by irradiation
b
: to cast rays of light upon : illuminate
c
: to enlighten intellectually or spiritually
2
: to emit like rays of light : radiate
irradiating strength and comfort
archaic
: to emit rays : shine
Synonyms
Examples of irradiate in a Sentence
The food was irradiated to kill any germs.
the light from a galaxy of flashing signs irradiates the heart and soul of Las Vegas
Recent Examples on the Web
Where does slushy brine erupt onto the surface, and where do irradiated ice chunks sink into the depths?
—
Jay Bennett, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Oct. 2024
Instead of using cobalt or other radioactive materials, Wilson’s team uses an X-ray machine to irradiate the pests.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2024
More than a million breasts stitched, scanned, marked with red-and-blue drawings, irradiated, reconstructed, hidden under blouses and T-shirts, invisible.
—Annie Ernaux, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024
Then, they’re irradiated with high-energy electrons to create what’s known as a nitrogen-vacancy defect, which can be used to hold quantum information.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for irradiate 
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Jay Bennett, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Oct. 2024
Instead of using cobalt or other radioactive materials, Wilson’s team uses an X-ray machine to irradiate the pests.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2024
More than a million breasts stitched, scanned, marked with red-and-blue drawings, irradiated, reconstructed, hidden under blouses and T-shirts, invisible.
—Annie Ernaux, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024
Then, they’re irradiated with high-energy electrons to create what’s known as a nitrogen-vacancy defect, which can be used to hold quantum information.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for irradiate
Dictionary Entries Near irradiate
Cite this Entry
“Irradiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irradiate. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
irradiate
verb
ir·ra·di·ate
ir-ˈād-ē-ˌāt
irradiated; irradiating
1
a
: to cast rays of light on : illuminate
b
: to affect or treat by exposure to radiation (as of ultraviolet light, X-rays, or gamma rays)
2
: to give off like rays of light : radiate
irradiation
noun
-ˌād-ē-ˈā-shən
Medical Definition
irradiate
transitive verb
ir·ra·di·ate
ir-ˈād-ē-ˌāt
irradiated; irradiating
: to affect or treat by radiant energy (as heat)
specifically
: to treat by exposure to radiation (as ultraviolet light or gamma rays)
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