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irradiates - 2 dictionary results
ir·ra·di·ate     (ĭ-rā'dē-āt')  Pronunciation Key 
v.   ir·ra·di·at·ed, ir·ra·di·at·ing, ir·ra·di·ates

v.   tr.
    1. To expose to radiation.
    2. 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.


[Latin irradiāre, irradiāt-, to illuminate : in-, on; see in-2 + radiāre, to shine; see radiate.]

ir·ra'di·a'tive adj., ir·ra'di·a'tor n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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irradiate   (ĭ-rā'dē-āt')  Pronunciation Key 
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.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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