Word
radiation
Phoneticsra·di·a·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɹeɪdiˈeɪʃən/
UK/ɹˌeɪdɪˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01energy waves or particles
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science
n. energy that moves through the air or space, like heat from a fire or light from the sun.
n. the process in which energy is emitted as particles or waves, including electromagnetic radiation such as light and radio waves.
日本語:放射※
“The sun's radiation provides the heat and light that plants need to grow.”
“Thermal radiation allows heat to be transferred across a vacuum, which is why we can feel the warmth of the sun despite the empty space between us.”
02radioactive energy
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Medicine
n. dangerous energy produced by nuclear materials or X-ray machines.
n. ionising radiation emitted by radioactive substances or high-energy equipment, often associated with health risks or medical treatments.
日本語:放射線※
“The workers wore special suits to protect themselves from radiation at the power plant.”
“The patient underwent a course of targeted radiation to shrink the tumour before the surgical team attempted to remove it.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general phenomenon of radioactivity.
Synonyms
03evolutionary diversification
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Academic · Technical
n. the process where one type of animal or plant quickly develops into many new species.
n. the rapid diversification of a lineage into several new forms that fill different ecological niches.
“The radiation of finches on the islands led to many different beak shapes.”
“The fossil record provides clear evidence of a massive mammalian radiation following the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the phrase 'adaptive radiation'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “radiation” in context.
Verb
01. be exposed to radiation
“Workers at the nuclear plant were exposed to radiation during the maintenance check.”
verb + prep + noun
02. emit radiation
“The sun emits radiation that can be harmful to the skin if you stay outside too long.”
verb + noun
03. measure radiation levels
“Scientists used a Geiger counter to measure radiation levels in the soil.”
verb + noun + noun
Adjective
04. background radiation
“There is always a small amount of background radiation present in the environment.”
adj + noun
05. lethal radiation
“Without a spacesuit, astronauts would face lethal radiation from cosmic rays.”
adj + noun
06. solar radiation
“Solar radiation is a primary source of energy for life on Earth.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. dose of radiation
“The patient received a controlled dose of radiation to treat the tumor.”
noun + of + noun
08. exposure to radiation
“Prolonged exposure to radiation can increase the risk of developing cancer.”
noun + prep + noun
09. radiation sickness
“The survivors of the blast suffered from severe radiation sickness.”
noun + noun
Real-World Examples
“That process produced X-ray radiation along with a powerful "wind" of gas.” “Levels of UV radiation vary throughout the day.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin radiatio, radiationis. By surface analysis, radiate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/radiation
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0