What does “that’s been spiced up to register” mean?
Barbie ignored the byplay. “Surely if they can create a barrier so strong it bounces back the best missiles America can throw at it, they could set up a radiation belt that would kill quickly, maybe instantly. It would even be in their interest to do so. A couple of grisly human deaths would be a lot more apt to discourage explorers than a bunch of dead animals. No, I think Julia’s right, and the so-called radiation belt will turn out to be a harmless glow that’s been spiced up to register on our detection equipment. Which probably seems pretty damn primitive to them, if they really are extraterrestrial.”

Question 8: What does “that’s been spiced up to register” mean?

Question

What does “that’s been spiced up to register” mean?
Barbie ignored the byplay. “Surely if they can create a barrier so strong it bounces back the best missiles America can throw at it, they could set up a radiation belt that would kill quickly, maybe instantly. It would even be in their interest to do so. A couple of grisly human deaths would be a lot more apt to discourage explorers than a bunch of dead animals. No, I think Julia’s right, and the so-called radiation belt will turn out to be a harmless glow that’s been spiced up to register on our detection equipment. Which probably seems pretty damn primitive to them, if they really are extraterrestrial.”

Question 8: What does “that’s been spiced up to register” mean?

Answer

The radiation has been "spiced up" i.e.  enhanced (improved, augmented) in order to "register" i.e. to be visible on their equipment.

Answer

"spiced up" in this context means "enhanced in a way". The phrase comes from adding seasonings i.e spices, to something to make it more robust or appealing.

Answer

"to spice up" is a phrasal verb meaning "to make something interesting".

Answers · 3

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