radio

a combining form with the meanings “dealing with radiant energy” (radiometer ), “employing or dealing with radio waves” (radioacoustics; radiolocation; radiotelephone ), “emitting rays as a result of the breakup of atomic nuclei” (radioactive; radiocarbon ), “characterized by, employing or dealing with such rays” (radiography; radiopaque; radiotherapy ).

Origin:
< French, combining form representing Latin radius beam, ray, radius

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World English Dictionary

radio (ˈreɪdɪəʊ)

—n , pl -os
1.	the use of electromagnetic waves, lying in the radio-frequency range, for broadcasting, two-way communications, etc
2.	an electronic device designed to receive, demodulate, and amplify radio signals from sound broadcasting stations, etc
3.	a similar device permitting both transmission and reception of radio signals for two-way communications
4.	the broadcasting, content, etc, of sound radio programmes: he thinks radio is poor these days
5.	a. the occupation or profession concerned with any aspect of the broadcasting of sound radio programmes: he's in radio
	b. (modifier) relating to, produced for, or transmitted by sound radio: radio drama
6.	radiotelegraph radiotelegraphy short for radiotelephone
7.	(modifier)
	a. of, relating to, employed in, or sent by radio signals: a radio station
	b. of, concerned with, using, or operated by radio frequencies: radio spectrum
8.	(modifier) (of a motor vehicle) equipped with a radio for communication: radio car

—vb , -os, -os, -oing, -oed
9.	to transmit (a message) to (a person, radio station, etc) by means of radio waves

[C20: short for radiotelegraphy]

radio-

—*combining form*
1.	denoting radio, broadcasting, or radio frequency: radiogram
2.	indicating radioactivity or radiation: radiochemistry; radiolucent
3.	indicating a radioactive isotope or substance: radioactinium; radiothorium; radioelement

[from French, from Latin radius ray; see radius]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

radio

"wireless transmission with radio waves," 1907, abstracted from earlier combinations such as radiophone (1881) and radio-telegraphy (1898), from radio-, comb. form of radiation (q.v.). Use for "radio receiver" is first attested 1917; sense of "sound broadcasting as a

medium" is from 1922. Wireless remained more widespread until World War II, when military preference for radio turned the tables. The verb is attested from 1919.

American Heritage

Medical Dictionary

radio- or radi-
pref.

Radiation; radiant energy: radiometer.
Radioactive: radiochemistry.
Radius: radiobicipital.

American Heritage

Science Dictionary

radio

  (rā'dē-ō) Pronunciation Key
Noun   The equipment used to generate, alter, transmit, and receive radio waves so that they carry information.

Adjective   Relating to or involving the emission of radio waves.

Example sentences

Spiralling radio waves could revolutionize telecommunications.

Cellphones use ultra-high-frequency radio waves to connect with telecommunications networks.

They identify radio-equipped headgear allowing direct communication from coach to player.

Salt water can catch a flame when exposed to certain radio waves, a chemist has confirmed.

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Related Words

beam broadcast monitor patch play tune

blooper CB radio clock radio coherer copy coverage

Matching Quote

"There are certain stereotypes that are offensive. Some of them don't worry me, though. For instance, I have always thought that Mammy character in Gone with the Wind was mighty funny. And I just loved "Amos 'n' Andy" on the radio. So you see, I have enough confidence in myself that those things did not bother me. I could laugh."

-Annie Elizabeth Delany