WordValeradiation
energy emitted as waves or particles
In more detail
1. (noun) energy that is sent out in the form of waves or particles, such as heat or light
2. (noun) dangerous energy produced by radioactive substances, which can cause illness or death
Examples
- 1. The sun emits radiation that warms the Earth.
- 2. Workers at the nuclear plant were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation.
How to use radiation
Radiation refers broadly to energy transmitted through space as waves or particles, with heat and light being everyday examples. In medical and scientific contexts, it often specifically denotes ionizing radiation from radioactive materials, which poses health risks. The term is used neutrally in physics but carries a cautionary or technical tone when discussing nuclear hazards.
Common phrases
- radiation therapy
- radiation exposure
- solar radiation
- ionizing radiation
- radiation dose
- electromagnetic radiation
Synonyms
emission · energy · rays · waves · radioactivity
Word family
radiate (verb) · radiative (adjective) · radiantly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners often confuse radiation (the energy itself) with radioactivity (the property of a substance that emits radiation); radiation is the emission, radioactivity is the source.
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