Definition of: irradiate

(i·rā′dē·āt) v. ·at·ed, ·at·ing v.t.
1. To direct light upon; light up; illuminate.
2. To make clear or understandable; enlighten.
3. To send forth in or as in rays of light; diffuse; radiate.
4. To treat with or subject to X–rays, ultraviolet light, or other radiant energy.
5. To heat with radiant energy.
—v.i.
6. To emit rays; shine.
7. To become radiant. [<L irradiatus, pp. of irradiare <in- thoroughly + radiare shine <radius ray]
—ir·ra′·di·a′tive adjective
—ir·ra′di·a′tor noun