B2noun3K

Radiation

UK /["/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃn/"]/US /["/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃn/"]/

Definition

powerful and very dangerous rays that are sent out from radioactive substances

In simple words: Energy that comes from a source and travels through space.

Examples

  • high **levels/doses of radiation** that damage cells
  • the link between exposure to radiation and childhood cancer
  • a radiation leak from a nuclear power station
  • radiation sickness
  • the radiations emitted by radium
  • Nuclear testing has exposed millions of people to radiation.
  • The counter showed high levels of radiation.
  • ultraviolet radiation
  • electromagnetic radiation from power lines
  • The ozone layer absorbs solar radiation.

Usage notes

Used in scientific contexts, especially in medicine and nuclear energy. Avoid using in casual conversations unless discussing health or science.

Grammar pattern

radiation + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'radio' which also relates to energy and waves.

Collocations

  • background
  • low-level
  • damaging
  • dose
  • emit
  • give off
  • absorb
  • leak
  • leak out
  • sickness
  • dose
  • level
  • radiation from
  • levels of radiation
  • background
  • low-level
  • damaging
  • dose
  • emit
  • give off
  • absorb
  • leak
  • leak out
  • sickness
  • dose
  • level
  • radiation from
  • levels of radiation
  • background
  • low-level
  • damaging
  • dose
  • emit
  • give off
  • absorb
  • leak
  • leak out
  • sickness
  • dose
  • level
  • radiation from
  • levels of radiation

Synonyms

  • radiant energy
  • nuclear energy
  • energy emission

Antonyms

  • absorption
  • shielding

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'radiant' regarding light.
  • Used inappropriately in non-scientific discussions.
  • Omitted context when discussing types of radiation.