half-life
noun
ˈhäf- \
Definition of half-life
1 : the time required for half of something to undergo a process: such 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 (such 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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for half-life
half-life
nounFinancial Definition of half-life
How It Works
Let's say John Doe borrows $100,000 to buy a house. The interest rate is 4% with a 30-year mortgage. His monthly payment is $477.42, which includes some interest and some principal.
By building an amortization schedule, we can see that John will have to make 231 mortgage payments (roughly 19 years) before half of his loan is paid off.
Why It Matters
The half-life of any debt depends on the terms of the debt. In John's case, each payment includes interest and principal. In the early years of his loan, his payments are largely interest. As time passes, however, more of his payment is principal repayment. Accordingly, the half-life is not 50% of the time involved, but 50% of the principal involved. Note that John's interest rate and loan length influence the half-life tremendously.
Source: Investing Answers
half-life
noun
English Language Learners Definition of half-life
: the time it takes for a radioactive substance to lose half its radioactivity
See the full definition for half-life in the English Language Learners Dictionary
half-life
nounKids Definition of half-life
: the time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive substance to change composition
Keep scrolling for more
half-life
noun
\
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
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on half-life
What made you want to look up half-life? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Musical Words Quiz
-
- Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share half-life
Resources for half-life