noun

irradiation

ih-ray-dee-AY-shuhn/ɪˌreɪdiˈeɪʃn/

The spreading of radiant energy onto or through something.

The patient receives irradiation beneath the linear accelerator's treatment head.

Patient lies beneath a linear accelerator treatment head.

Etymology

irLatininto, upon

+radiaLatinto beam or shine

+tionLatinaction or process

Irradiation names the process of beaming upon something, originally with light. Its extension to X-rays and other radiation supplies the sense of exposure used in medical treatment and food sterilization.

In context

CHEM 418 Nuclear Chemistry4:50

sources where the americium-241 can be coated onto beryllium the Alpha from the americium reacts with the beryllium causing the production of a neutron americium 243 is from the further irradiation of plutonium

Lecture 15 Americium and Curium chemistry part 1. CHEM 418

More examples

Ultraviolet irradiation disinfects the water as it passes through the system.
The plastic becomes brittle after prolonged irradiation with ultraviolet light.
Doctors carefully control irradiation of the tumor to protect nearby tissue.

Forms

irradiate verb — To expose something to radiant energy.

Similar words

radiation: Names the energy or its emission, rather than its application.
exposure: Includes contact with hazards or conditions beyond radiant energy.