half-life

half–life

noun \-ˌlīf\

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>