irradiation

irradiation /ir·ra·di·a·tion/ (ĭ-ra″de-a´shun)

1. radiotherapy.

2. the dispersion of nervous impulse beyond the normal path of conduction.

3. the application of rays, such as ultraviolet rays, to a substance to increase its vitamin efficiency.

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ir·ra·di·a·tion (-rd-shn)

n.

1. Exposure or subjection to the action of radiation for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

2. Medical treatment by exposure to radiation.

3. The spread of a nervous impulse beyond the usual path of conduction.

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irradiation

[irā′dē·ā′shən]

Etymology: L, irradiare, to beam upon

exposure to any form of radiant energy, such as heat, light, or x-rays. Radioactive sources of radiant energy, such as x-rays or isotopes of iodine or cobalt, are used diagnostically to examine internal body structures. The same or similar sources of radioactivity in larger amounts are used to destroy microorganisms or tissue cells that have become cancerous. Infrared or ultraviolet light may be used to produce heat in body tissues for pain relief or to treat acne, psoriasis, or other skin ailments. Ultraviolet light is also used to identify certain bacteria and toxic molds. See also radiation sickness, radioactivity, ultraviolet. irradiate, v.

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irradiation (irā´dēā´shn),

n 1. the exposure of material to roentgen or other radiation. (One speaks of
radiation therapy but not of
irradiation of the patient.) 2. the exposure to radiation.

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irradiation

exposure to radiant energy (heat, x-rays, etc.) for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. See also radiation (3).

Irradiation of certain foods, including milk, kills harmful bacteria and prevents spoilage. X-ray photography is used in industrial research and in diagnosis of disorders within the body.

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irradiation teratogen

irradiation at the time of organogenesis which is capable of causing congenital defects such as ankylosis of limb joints and cleft palate.

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irradiation

1. Application of electromagnetic radiations to an object. 2. A phenomenon in which a bright area against a black background appears larger than a darker area of equal size against the same background. Syn. Helmholtz illusion.

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irradiation

 1 Radiation therapy, see there 2 Blood irradiation, see there