secondary radiation

noun

: radiation emitted by molecules or atoms after bombardment by a primary radiation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Lunar workers would already by susceptible to harmful cosmic radiation raining down on them, but they would also be exposed to the secondary radiation generated during experiments. Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 10 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'secondary radiation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of secondary radiation was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near secondary radiation

Cite this Entry

“Secondary radiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secondary%20radiation. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


A Good Old-Fashioned Quiz

Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY