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radiant energy

radiant energy

1 5.0
Power that travels through space as light or radio waves
  • noun
  • /ˈreɪdiənt ˈɛnərdʒi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : energía radiante
  • Nearly all of the energy that drives the flows within the nitrogen cycle ultimately derives from the Sun; photosynthesis converts this radiant energy to chemical energy, which is then stored in living and dead organic matter.

Examples

  • The Earth obtains radiant energy from the Sun and radiates that energy back to space.

  • Solar thermal energy systems collect the sun's radiant energy and convert it into heat.

  • Solar thermal energy systems collect the sun's radiant energy and convert it into heat.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The Earth obtains radiant energy from the Sun and radiates that energy back to space.

    Blog text (30)
  • The Sun heats the Earth in the daytime with lots of radiant energy, mostly in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths.

    Blog text (23)
  • The Sun heats the Earth in the daytime with lots of radiant energy, mostly in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths.

Synonyms

electromagnetic radiation
vsradiant energy
  • Specialized
7 4.2

Waves of energy like radio, visible light, and X-rays that move through space

focuses on transmission of that power through empty space rather than its production
electromagnetic wave
vsradiant energy
  • Specialized
4 4.2

A wave of energy made of changing electric and magnetic fields that travels at the speed of light

emphasizes the carried power rather than the traveling oscillating form

How Intense

ionizing radiation
  • Specialized
3 6.5
radiant flux
  • Specialized
1 7.5
radiant energy
  • Specialized
1 5.0
background radiation
  • Specialized
5 4.1

Surface Forms

Morphology

radiant + energy

The meaning 'energy transmitted as electromagnetic radiation' is directly derivable from combining 'radiant' (sending out light) with 'energy' (power). Although the phrase is technical, its adjective–noun composition is compositional and mirrors similar constructions in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

Radiant energy comes from the picture of the sun 'sending out' bright rays: radiant means 'sending out' rays and energy is the power those rays carry. So radiant energy means the energy that travels as light or other waves and can move through empty space, like sunlight that warms Earth.