radiational

7.8

Relating to energy that moves as waves or tiny pieces, like heat from the sun

adjective
/ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃənl/

Specialized

: radiacional

Tonight we are in for another cold one as calm, clear skies set us up for optimal radiational cooling.

Examples

I haven't a clue what the radiational characteristics of high temperature nitrogen are, David.

Blog text (18)
We study the radiational properties of different materials to improve energy efficiency.
If you wish to debate radiational physics and the greenhouse effect, I would be happy to do so.

Blog text (4)
On a clear night, the temperature drops rapidly due to radiational cooling.
The radiational heat emitted by the sun warms the Earth's surface.

Synonyms

radiative

vsradiational

Specialized

7 7.3

Relating to energy sent out as light or heat

is about things caused by that emission rather than the emission itself

radiatory

vsradiational

Specialized

7.6

Giving off energy as heat like the sun

is about things caused by radiation rather than things that produce it

Surface Forms

radiational positive

Morphology

radiational = radiation (transparent) = radiat + ion + al

The adjective is formed regularly from 'radiation' with '-al', so the meaning 'relating to radiation' is straightforward.

Etymology

The word radiational comes from the Latin root radius, which means 'ray', a line of light, and is the same root as radiate and radiant. So think of a ray spreading out: heat or energy moves out in waves, which is why the ground can lose warmth by radiational cooling.