What is the term for the process of exposing something to radiation?

The term for the process of exposing something to radiation is "irradiate." This term specifically refers to the application of radiation to a substance or object, often used in contexts such as sterilization, food preservation, or medical treatments where controlled doses of radiation are applied to kill pathogens or to cause certain reactions within the material.

Understanding "irradiate" is crucial in fields like healthcare and food safety, where precise control over radiation exposure is necessary to achieve desired outcomes while minimizing risks.

While "radiate" might seem relevant, it generally refers to the emission or spreading of energy, not necessarily the intentional exposure process. “Inoculate” pertains to introducing a vaccine or pathogen to stimulate an immune response, and “evaporate” involves a change from liquid to gas, which does not relate to radiation exposure. Thus, the term "irradiate" clearly conveys the specific action of exposing substances to radiation, making it the correct choice.