online medical dictionary | definition of irradiate

1. To throw rays of light upon; to illuminate; to brighten; to adorn with luster. "Thy smile irradiates yon blue fields." (Sir W. Jones)

2. To enlighten intellectually; to illuminate; as, to irradiate the mind.

3. To animate by heat or light.

4. To radiate, shed, or diffuse. "A splendid faade, . . . Irradiating hospitality." (H. James)

Origin: L. Irradiatus, p. P. Of irradiate. See In- in, and Radiate.

To emit rays; to shine.

Illuminated; irradiated.

Origin: L. Irradiatus, p. P.

(01 Mar 1998)