adj. & n.
--adj.
1. emitting rays of light.
2 (of eyes or looks) beaming with joy or hope or love.
3 (of beauty) splendid or dazzling.
4 (of light) issuing in rays.
5 operating radially.
6 extending radially; radiating.
--n.
1. the point or object from which light or heat radiates, esp. in an electric or gas heater.
2 Astron. a radiant point.
Phrases and idioms:
radiant heat heat transmitted by radiation, not by conduction or convection. radiant heater a heater that works by this method. radiant point
1. a point from which rays or radii proceed.
2 Astron. the apparent focal point of a meteor shower.
Derivatives:
radiance n. radiancy n. radiantly adv.
Etymology: ME f. L radiare (as RADIUS)