emanation

noun

em·​a·​na·​tion ˌe-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce emanation (audio)
Synonyms of emanationnext
1
a
: the action of emanating
b
: the origination of the world by a series of hierarchically descending radiations from the Godhead through intermediate stages to matter
2
a
: something that emanates or is produced by emanation : effluence
b
: an isotope of radon produced by radioactive disintegration
radium emanation
emanative
ˈe-mə-ˌnā-tiv How to pronounce emanation (audio)
adjective

Examples of emanation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This perhaps had something to do with the curious luminance of the boy’s face, as in paintings of saints, as though the glow were the emanation of grace. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025 From presence as performance to loving presence as emanation. — Gregory Stebbins, Forbes.com, 20 Feb. 2026 Another way of saying this is that the radiant or emanation point of most meteor showers appears highest in the sky before dawn. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025 So Serious, a compilation of Enya edits that distilled the singer’s voice down to a distant emanation. — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emanation

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of emanation was in 1570

Rhymes for emanation

See All Rhymes for emanation

Browse Nearby Words

emanate
emanation
emanationism
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Cite this Entry

“Emanation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emanation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

emanation

noun
em·​a·​na·​tion ˌem-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce emanation (audio)
1
: the action of emanating
2
a
: something that emanates or is produced by emanation
b
: a heavy gaseous element produced by radioactive disintegration
radium emanation

More from Merriam-Webster on emanation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for emanation

Nglish: Translation of emanation for Spanish Speakers

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