radioisotope

noun

ra·​dio·​iso·​tope ˌrā-dē-ō-ˈī-sə-ˌtōp How to pronounce radioisotope (audio)
: a radioactive isotope
radioisotopic adjective

Examples of radioisotope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cesium-137, or Cs-137, is a manmade radioisotope of cesium. Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025 The primary life-limiting factor for the rover is its radioisotope thermoelectric generator, which generates electricity from the heat released by the radioactive decay of plutonium-238 and gradually produces less power over time. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2025 If approved, the new fuel design would allow FRM II to continue supporting research in fields ranging from nuclear fusion to the production of medical radioisotopes, this time with a fuel solution aligned with modern safety and non-proliferation goals. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025 Voyager 1 is slowly losing power The spacecraft is powered by three radioisotope thermoelectric generators. George Petras, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for radioisotope

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radioisotope was in 1938

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Radioisotope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radioisotope. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

radioisotope

noun
ra·​dio·​iso·​tope ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈī-sə-ˌtōp How to pronounce radioisotope (audio)
: a radioactive isotope

Medical Definition

radioisotope

noun
ra·​dio·​iso·​tope ˌrād-ē-ō-ˈī-sə-ˌtōp How to pronounce radioisotope (audio)
: a radioactive isotope compare radioelement
radioisotopic adjective
radioisotopically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on radioisotope

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