| radioactive decay n. 1. Spontaneous disintegration of a radionuclide accompanied by the emission of ionizing radiation in the form of alpha or beta particles or gamma rays. 2. An instance of such disintegration. |
radioactive decay
n
(Physics / Nuclear Physics) disintegration of a nucleus that occurs spontaneously or as a result of electron capture. One or more different nuclei are formed and usually particles and gamma rays are emitted Sometimes shortened to decay Also called disintegration
radioactive decay (r  d - - k t v) The spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus into a lighter one, in which radiation is released in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and other particles. The rate of decay of radioactive substances such as carbon 14 or uranium is measured in terms of their half-life. See also decayradioisotope |
The decrease in the radiation intensity of any radioactive material with respect to time.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | radioactive decay - the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation alpha decay - radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of an alpha particle beta decay - radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of a beta particle nuclear reaction - (physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei |
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