radiocarbon

noun

ra·​dio·​car·​bon ˌrā-dē-ō-ˈkär-bən How to pronounce radiocarbon (audio)
often attributive
: radioactive carbon
especially : carbon 14

Examples of radiocarbon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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By measuring levels of radiocarbon — a naturally occurring form of carbon that changes over time — the team could calculate how long the protein, and the shark, had existed. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026 By measuring radiocarbon levels, scientists can calculate how long the protein has existed. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026 By measuring how much radiocarbon had accumulated in those proteins, researchers could estimate how long each shark had been alive. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026 Similar to the radiocarbon dating of fossils, the level of metabolic deterioration in moss can reveal to botanists when the plant was harvested or moved. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for radiocarbon

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radiocarbon was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Radiocarbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiocarbon. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

radiocarbon

noun
ra·​dio·​car·​bon ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈkär-bən How to pronounce radiocarbon (audio)
: radioactive carbon
especially : carbon 14

Medical Definition

radiocarbon

noun
ra·​dio·​car·​bon ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈkär-bən How to pronounce radiocarbon (audio)
: radioactive carbon
especially : carbon 14
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