radioactive

The definition of radioactive is something that gives off energy waves called radiation.

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Elements

  • Rubidium
  • Thorium
  • Uranium (238)
  • Potassium
  • Uranium (235)
  • Iodine
  • Technetium
  • Uranium
  • Plutonium
  • Carbon
  • Radium
  • Radon
  • Polonium
  • Calcium
  • Argon

Radioactive Elements Used for Science

  • Chlorine
  • Carbon
  • Cesium
  • Strontium
  • Tritium
  • Cobalt (60)
  • Iron (55)
  • Sodium (22)
  • Manganese
  • Cobalt (57)
  • Zinc
  • Calcium
  • Tin
  • Sulfur
  • Iodine (125)
  • Iron (59)
  • Chromium
  • Phosphorus
  • Iodine (131)
  • Gold
  • Bromine
  • Sodium (24)
  • Copper
  • Potassium
  • Nitrogen
  • Oxygen

Radioactive Elements for Energy and Bombs

  • Plutonium (238)
  • Neptunium
  • Cesium
  • Ruthenium
  • Strontium
  • Iodine
  • Xenon
  • Tellurium
(adjective)

An example of radioactive is the element Plutonium which is used for nuclear bombs.

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See radioactive in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

giving off, or capable of giving off, radiant energy in the form of particles or rays, as alpha, beta, and gamma rays, by the spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei: said of certain elements, as plutonium, radium, thorium, and uranium, and their products

Origin: radio- + active

Related Forms:

See radioactive in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Of, exhibiting, or caused by radioactivity.
  2. Informal Extremely sensitive or controversial: “Perhaps race is now too radioactive a topic, in an era of political correctness” (David Nyhan).

Related Forms:

  • raˌdi·o·acˈtive·ly adverb

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