anti-radiation
|an-ti-ra-di-a-tion|
/ˌæn.tiˈreɪ.di.eɪ.ʃən/
against radiation / protects from radiation
Etymology
'anti-radiation' originates from the Greek prefix 'anti-' meaning 'against' combined with the English noun 'radiation' (from Latin roots related to 'ray' or 'to beam').
'anti-' comes from Greek 'ἀντί' (anti) meaning 'opposed to' or 'against'; 'radiation' comes via Latin 'radiare'/'radius' (ray) and later French/Latin developments into Middle English 'radiation' and modern English 'radiation'. The compound 'anti-radiation' formed in modern English usage to describe opposition to or protection from radiation.
Initially the parts meant 'against' + 'ray/beam'; over time the compound came to mean 'against or protective of radiation' in both technical and general contexts, maintaining the original components' senses but used specifically for protection or countermeasures.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a device, agent, or measure intended to detect, counter, or protect against radiation or radiation-emitting systems (often used in compounds, e.g. 'anti-radiation missile' meaning a missile that homes on radar emissions).
The aircraft was equipped with new anti-radiation to suppress enemy radar sites.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
designed to resist, block, reduce, protect against, or counter the effects of ionizing radiation or electromagnetic emissions (e.g. equipment, clothing, or measures).
Workers wore anti-radiation suits while servicing the reactor.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/18 04:17