irradiate

ir·ra·di·ate  (-rd-t)

v. ir·ra·di·at·ed, ir·ra·di·at·ing, ir·ra·di·ates

v.tr.

1.

a. To expose to radiation.

b. To treat with radiation: irradiate farm produce so as to destroy bacteria.

2. To shed light on; illuminate.

3. To manifest in a manner suggesting the emission of light; radiate: irradiate goodness.

v.intr. Archaic

1. To send forth rays; radiate.

2. To become radiant.

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[Latin irradire, irradit-, to illuminate : in-, on; see in-² + radire, to shine; see radiate.]

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ir·radi·ative adj.

ir·radi·ator n.

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irradiate

Verb

[-ating, -ated]

1. Physics to subject to or treat with light or other electromagnetic radiation

2. to make clear or bright intellectually or spiritually

3. to light up; illuminate

irradiation n

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irradiate  (-rd-t)

To expose to or treat with radiation. For example, meat sold as food is often irradiated with x-rays or other radiation to kill bacteria; uranium 238 can be irradiated with neutrons to create fissionable plutonium 239.

Thesaurus

Verb	1.	irradiate - give spiritual insight to; in religion enlighten prophesy, vaticinate - predict or reveal through, or as if through, divine inspiration
	2.	irradiate - cast rays of light upon lighten up, lighten - become lighter; "The room lightened up"
	3.	irradiate - expose to radiation; "irradiate food" ray bombard - direct high energy particles or radiation against process, treat - subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition; "process cheese"; "process hair"; "treat the water so it can be drunk"; "treat the lawn with chemicals" ; "treat an oil spill"