| alpha decay n. The radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus by emission of an alpha particle. |
alpha decay
n
(Physics / General Physics) the radioactive decay process resulting in emission of alpha particles
| alpha decay The radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus by emission of an alpha particle (two protons bound to two neutrons). When an element undergoes alpha decay, its atomic number decreases by two. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  alpha decay - radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of an alpha particleradioactive decay, disintegration, decay - the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation |
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