irradiation
irradiation (ir*rā`di*ā"shun) , noun
[Compare French irradiation.]
1.
Act of irradiating, or state of being irradiated; as, irradiation of foods with X-rays can preserve their freshness by killing the bacteria that cause spoilage.
2.
Illumination; irradiance; brilliancy. — Sir W. Scott
3.
Figuratively: Mental light or illumination. — Sir M. Hale
4.
(Optics) The apparent enlargement of a bright object seen upon a dark ground, due to the fact that the portions of the retina around the image are stimulated by the intense light; as when a dark spot on a white ground appears smaller, or a white spot on a dark ground larger, than it really is, esp. when a little out of focus.