irradiate
UK/i'reidieit/US
TOEFLGREC2
Definitions
v.
To expose something to radiation (e.g. to sterilise food or treat tissue)
照射、辐照（如杀菌、医疗处理）
v.
To light up; to shine light onto
照亮、使发光
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedir-not, opposite of
+
-ateto make, having
=irradiate
Here ir- is the form of in- meaning 'into/onto' (not 'not'). ir- (onto) + radi (ray) + -ate (verb) = 'to cast rays onto.' Literally to shine light onto something; in modern technical use, to expose it to radiation—irradiated food is treated with rays to kill germs.
Root radi still carries 9 more wordsExample Sentences
- 1.
The spices are irradiated to kill bacteria before they are packaged.
- 2.
Morning light irradiated the dusty attic through a single window.