Radioactivity Meaning
/ˌreɪdɪəʊakˈtɪvɪti/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounSpontaneous emission of ionizing radiation as a consequence of a nuclear reaction, or directly from the breakdown of an unstable nucleus.
nounThe radiation so emitted; including gamma rays, alpha particles, neutrons, electrons, positrons, etc.
Sentence Examples
The radioactivity leaked out of the nuclear power plant.
'Radioactivity' is a chemical term.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The Geiger counter detected high levels of ____ from the spill.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The level of ____ in the soil near the old plant was found to be above safe limits.
Word Origin & History
From radioactive + -ity or radio- + activity.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Today, no one would intentionally smear radioactive materials on their face, but in 1933, the dangers of radioactivity were not yet fully understood."
— 2020 March 8, Jacopo Prisco, “When beauty products were radioactive”, in CNN:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The Geiger counter detected high levels of ____ from the spill.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The level of ____ in the soil near the old plant was found to be above safe limits.