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radium

(rā′dē əm)

noun

a radioactive, metallic chemical element, one of the alkaline-earth metals, found in very small amounts in pitchblende and other minerals containing uranium: it undergoes spontaneous atomic disintegration through several stages, emitting alpha, beta, and gamma rays and finally forming an isotope of lead: radium is used in neutron sources and in the treatment of cancer and other diseases: symbol, Ra; at. no., 88

Origin: ModL < L radius, ray (see radius) + -ium: so named (1898) by P. & M. Curie & G. Bémont, because it emits rays

See radium in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun Symbol Ra

A rare, brilliant white, luminescent, highly radioactive metallic element found in very small amounts in uranium ores, having 13 isotopes with mass numbers between 213 and 230, of which radium 226 with a half-life of 1,622 years is the most common. It is used in cancer radiotherapy, as a neutron source for some research purposes, and as a constituent of luminescent paints. Atomic number 88; melting point 700°C; boiling point 1,737°C; valence 2. See Table at element.

Origin:

Origin: Latin radius, ray

Origin: + -ium

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