radiation

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun energy that is radiated or transmitted in the form of rays or waves or particles
noun the act of spreading outward from a central source
noun syndrome resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation (e.g., exposure to radioactive chemicals or to nuclear explosions); low doses cause diarrhea and nausea and vomiting and sometimes loss of hair; greater exposure can cause sterility and cataracts and some forms of cancer and other diseases; severe exposure can cause death within hours

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

So what about this radiation?" — Terminal Compromise, Winn Schwartau
"Here," he said, tearing at it, "radiation. — The Colors of Space, Marion Zimmer Bradley
Thought, reverie, prayer,—these are great and mysterious radiations. — Les Misérables, Victor Hugo

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