half-life

half–life

noun \-ˌlīf\

Definition of HALF-LIFE

1

: the time required for half of something to undergo a process: as

a : the time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive substance to become disintegrated

b : the time required for half the amount of a substance (as a drug, radioactive tracer, or pesticide) in or introduced into a living system or ecosystem to be eliminated or disintegrated by natural processes

2

: a period of usefulness or popularity preceding decline or obsolescence <slang usually has a short half–life>

First Known Use of HALF-LIFE

1907

half–life

noun \-ˌlīf\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of HALF–LIFE

: the time required for half of something to undergo a process: as a : the time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive substance to become disintegrated b : the time required for half the amount of a substance (as a drug or radioactive tracer) in or introduced into a living system or ecosystem to be eliminated or disintegrated by natural processes <the serum half–life is about 2 days—Journal of the American Medical Association>

half-life

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Interval of time required for one-half of the atomic nuclei of a radioactive sample to decay (change spontaneously into other nuclear species by emitting particles and energy), or the time required for the number of disintegrations per second of a radioactive material to decrease by one-half. Half-lives are characteristic properties of the various unstable atomic nuclei and the particular way in which they decay. Alpha decay and beta decay are generally slower processes than gamma decay.