irradiation
noun
ir·ra·di·a·tion
i-ˌrā-dē-ˈā-shən 
1
: exposure to radiation (such as X-rays or alpha particles)
2
: the application of radiation (such as X-rays or gamma rays) for therapeutic purposes or for sterilization (as of food)
also
: partial or complete sterilization by irradiation
Examples of irradiation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The assembly is slated for irradiation inside the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) later this year, a process considered an essential step toward eventual regulatory approval and commercial deployment of the new fuel technology.
—
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
In addition, roughly 1 in 5 IORT patients wind up having to supplant the treatment with whole breast irradiation after subsequent pathology reports show cancer in their lymph nodes or near the removed tumors.
—Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2025
The Whitney has a fumigation guy who uses a process called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.
—Jake Offenhartz, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
In one study, healthy adult women who took apple polyphenol tablets saw significant prevention of skin pigmentation caused by ultraviolet irradiation.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irradiation
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Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
In addition, roughly 1 in 5 IORT patients wind up having to supplant the treatment with whole breast irradiation after subsequent pathology reports show cancer in their lymph nodes or near the removed tumors.
—Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2025
The Whitney has a fumigation guy who uses a process called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.
—Jake Offenhartz, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
In one study, healthy adult women who took apple polyphenol tablets saw significant prevention of skin pigmentation caused by ultraviolet irradiation.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irradiation
Cite this Entry
“Irradiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irradiation. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
irradiation
noun
ir·ra·di·a·tion
ir-ˌād-ē-ˈā-shən
1
a
: the radiation of a physiologically active agent from a point of origin within the body
especially
: the spread of a nerve impulse beyond the usual conduction path
b
: apparent enlargement of a light or bright object or surface when displayed against a dark background
2
a
: exposure to radiation (as X-rays or alpha particles)
b
: application of radiation (as X-rays or gamma rays) for therapeutic purposes or for sterilization (as of food)
3
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