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radium

noun, often attributive ra·di·um \ ˈrā-dē-əm \
|Updated on: 27 Jun 2018

Definition of radium

: an intensely radioactive brilliant white metallic element that resembles barium chemically, occurs in combination in minute quantities in minerals (such as pitchblende or carnotite), emits alpha particles and gamma rays to form radon, and is used chiefly in luminous materials and in the treatment of cancer — see Chemical Elements Table

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Recent Examples of radium from the Web

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Origin and Etymology of radium

New Latin, from Latin radius ray

RADIUM Defined for English Language Learners

radium

noun

Definition of radium for English Language Learners

  • : a radioactive element that is used medically in cancer treatments

RADIUM Defined for Kids

radium

noun ra·di·um \ ˈrā-dē-əm \

Definition of radium for Students

: a strongly radioactive element found in very small quantities in various minerals (as pitchblende) and used in the treatment of cancer

Medical Dictionary

radium

noun, often attributive ra·di·um \ ˈrād-ē-əm \

medical Definition of radium

: an intensely radioactive shining white metallic element that resembles barium chemically, that occurs in combination in minute quantities in minerals (as pitchblende or carnotite) principally as the isotope of mass number 226 formed from uranium 238, having a half-life of 1620 years, and emitting alpha particles and gamma rays to form radon, and that is used chiefly in luminous materials and in the treatment of cancer —symbol Ra — see Chemical Elements Table

Learn More about radium

  1. See words that rhyme with radium Spanish Central: Translation of radium Nglish: Translation of radium for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about radium

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