Radiant \Ra"di*ant\, a. [L. radians, -antis, p. pr. of radiare
to emit rays or beams, fr. radius ray: cf. F. radiant. See
Radius, Ray a divergent line.]
1. Emitting or proceeding as from a center; [U.S.]
rays;
radiating; radiate.
2. Especially, emitting or darting rays of light or heat;
issuing in beams or rays; beaming with brightness;
emitting a vivid light or splendor; as, the radiant sun.
Mark what radiant state she spreads. --Milton.
3. Beaming with vivacity and happiness; as, a radiant face.
4. (Her.) Giving off rays; -- said of a bearing; as, the sun
radiant; a crown radiant.
5. (Bot.) Having a raylike appearance, as the large marginal
flowers of certain umbelliferous plants; -- said also of
the cluster which has such marginal flowers.
Radiant energy (Physics), energy given out or transmitted
by radiation, as in the case of light and radiant heat.
Radiant heat, proceeding in right lines, or directly from
the heated body, after the manner of light, in distinction
from heat conducted or carried by intervening media.
Radiant point. (Astron.) See Radiant, n., 3.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) |