rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryradiationEnergy transfer
noun

radiation

ray-dee-AY-shun/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃn/

Energy spreading outward as waves or particles.

The light bulb sends radiation outward as visible light.

Small light bulb emits concentric wavefront arcs into surrounding white space, waves drawn with restrained golden ink strokes; emitted energy clear, no labels or hazard scene.
Etymology
radiatLatinto beam, shine
+ionLatinact or process

From “to beam or shine,” radiation first named the emission of light, then the rays emitted. The physical meaning broadened to energy emitted or transmitted as waves or particles.

In context

Go Wild48:31
we now know that quazars emit radiation right across the Spectrum from radio waves through visible light to X-rays and gamma [Music] rays
Limits of Light - Go Wild

More examples

  • Sunscreen helps protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation.
  • Microwave ovens use radiation to heat food.
  • Doctors use targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells.

Forms

radiation

radiate verb — To send out energy as waves or particles.

radiant adjective — Sending out light or other energy.

Similar words

emission
Emphasizes energy being released, rather than traveling through space.
rays
Refers to directed beams, not all emitted waves or particles.