radon

noun

ra·​don ˈrā-ˌdän How to pronounce radon (audio)
: a heavy radioactive gaseous element formed by the decay of radium see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of radon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Another important pre-move-in step is to make sure all of the detectors — smoke, carbon monoxide and radon — are operational. Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 23 July 2024 Do it every two years, says the state of Michigan's radon advisory because a home's foundation can shift to allow more radon to enter or an initial test may be inaccurate. Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Feb. 2024 Thawing Arctic permafrost will expose local populations to more radon, and the iodine of desert dust may decrease ozone pollution but increase greenhouse gas longevity. Alexander Sammon, Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2022 But the amount of radon in each home varies widely. Andy Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 22 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for radon 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from radium

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radon was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near radon

Cite this Entry

“Radon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radon. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

radon

noun
ra·​don ˈrā-ˌdän How to pronounce radon (audio)
: a heavy radioactive gaseous element formed by the breaking apart of radium atoms see element

Medical Definition

radon

noun
ra·​don ˈrā-dän How to pronounce radon (audio)
: a heavy radioactive gaseous element of the group of inert gases formed by disintegration of radium and used similarly to radium in medicine
symbol Rn

called also radium emanation

see Chemical Elements Table

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