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

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near secondary radiation

secondary quality

secondary radiation

secondary rainbow

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Cite this Entry

Style

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

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