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View synonyms for radioactive decay
radioactive decay
[ rey-dee-oh-ak-tiv di-key ]
noun
, Physics.
- a radioactive process in which a nucleus undergoes spontaneous transformation into one or more different nuclei and simultaneously emits radiation, loses electrons, or undergoes fission.
radioactive decay
noun
- disintegration of a nucleus that occurs spontaneously or as a result of electron capture. One or more different nuclei are formed and usually particles and gamma rays are emitted Sometimes shortened todecay Also calleddisintegration
radioactive decay
/ rā′dē-ō-ăk′tĭv /
- The spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus into a lighter one, in which radiation is released in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and other particles. The rate of decay of radioactive substances such as carbon 14 or uranium is measured in terms of their half-life .
- See also decay
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Word History and Origins
Origin of radioactive decay1
First recorded in 1960–65
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Example Sentences
The muon is unstable, eventually undergoing a radioactive decay into an electron.
From Project Gutenberg
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