radioactive isotope — An atom with an unstable nucleus that emits radiation as it decays to a more stable form
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: An atom with an unstable nucleus that emits radiation as it decays to a more stable form
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌreɪdioʊˈæktɪv ˈaɪsətoʊp/
Example Sentences
- The doctor injected a tiny amount of radioactive isotope to track the patient's thyroid function, promising it wouldn't turn him into a superhero.
- Scientists use radioactive isotopes to determine the age of ancient artifacts and fossils.
- The nuclear power plant accidentally released radioactive isotopes, causing nearby vegetables to glow suspiciously bright at the farmer's market.
radioactive isotope
NOUN[/ˌreɪdioʊˈæktɪv ˈaɪsətoʊp/]
An atom with an unstable nucleus that emits radiation as it decays to a more stable form
Scientists carefully store a glowing radioactive isotope in a lead-lined chamber.
This radioactive isotope breaks both prototype and stereotype!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Radio derives from Latin radius meaning 'ray' or 'beam of light'. Active comes from Latin activus meaning 'capable of action' or 'energetic'. Isotope combines Greek isos meaning 'equal' and topos meaning 'place', originally referring to elements occupying the same position in the periodic table. Together, radioactive isotope describes atoms of the same element that spontaneously emit radiation.
Breakdown
radio- (from Latin radius, ray) + -active (from Latin activus, capable of action) + isotope (from Greek isos, equal + topos, place). The compound describes atomic nuclei that actively emit radiation while occupying identical positions in the chemical periodic table.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The doctor injected a tiny amount of radioactive isotope to track the patient's thyroid function, promising it wouldn't turn him into a superhero.”
“Scientists use radioactive isotopes to determine the age of ancient artifacts and fossils.”
“The nuclear power plant accidentally released radioactive isotopes, causing nearby vegetables to glow suspiciously bright at the farmer's market.”
“Medical researchers are developing new radioactive isotopes for targeted cancer therapy.”
📚Related Words
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