ENGLISH
REFERENCE

radiation

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌɹeɪdiˈeɪʃən// UK //ɹˌeɪdɪˈeɪʃən// ra·di·a·tion General-service

n. energy that travels through space as waves or tiny particles. It can come from things like the sun, X-ray machines, or nuclear power.

n. the emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or a material medium. Often used in contexts involving electromagnetic waves or nuclear decay.


SIMPLE

The sun sends out radiation that can burn your skin.

CONTEXTUAL

Doctors use lead aprons to protect themselves from radiation when they take X-ray images of patients.

COMPLEX

While low levels of background radiation are naturally present in the environment, prolonged exposure to high-energy ionising sources can cause significant damage to living tissue and DNA.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Latin radiatio, radiationis. By surface analysis, radiate + -ion.

Usage

Uncountable in its general scientific sense; occasionally used as a countable noun in physics when referring to specific types or instances of emission.

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