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Radioisotope: meaning, definitions and examples

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radioisotope

 

[ ˈreɪdiəʊˌaɪsətoʊp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific term

A radioisotope is an unstable isotope of an element that emits radiation during its decay process to attain a more stable form. These isotopes can be naturally occurring or artificially produced through nuclear reactions. Radioisotopes are widely used in various fields, including medicine, where they are used in diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment, as well as in industry for gauging and tracing applications. Their ability to emit radiation allows them to be detected and measured, making them valuable tools in scientific research and application.

Synonyms

radioactive isotope, radionuclide, radiotracer

Examples of usage

  • The hospital uses radioisotopes for cancer treatment.
  • Researchers utilize radioisotopes to study geological formations.
  • Radioisotopes play a crucial role in nuclear medicine.

Translations

Translations of the word "radioisotope" in other languages:

🇵🇹 radioisótopo

🇮🇳 रेडियोआइसोटोप

🇩🇪 Radioisotop

🇮🇩 radioisotop

🇺🇦 радіоізотоп

🇵🇱 radioizotop

🇯🇵 ラジオアイソトープ

🇫🇷 radioisotope

🇪🇸 radioisótopo

🇹🇷 radyoizotop

🇰🇷 방사성 동위원소

🇸🇦 نظير مشع

🇨🇿 radioizotop

🇸🇰 radioizotop

🇨🇳 放射性同位素

🇸🇮 radioizotop

🇮🇸 geislunot

🇰🇿 радиоизотоп

🇬🇪 რადიოიზოტოპი

🇦🇿 radioizotop

🇲🇽 radioisótopo

Word origin

The word 'radioisotope' is derived from two components: 'radio-', a prefix from the Latin word 'radius', meaning 'ray', which signifies the emission of radiation, and 'isotope', a term that comes from the Greek 'isos', meaning 'equal', and 'topos', meaning 'place'. The concept of isotopes was first introduced in the early 20th century, and the term 'radioisotope' itself began to be used in the 1940s with the advancement of nuclear science. As scientists discovered that atoms of the same element could have different masses due to varying numbers of neutrons, the study of isotopes became crucial, leading to the identification and application of radioactive forms of these elements. The development and understanding of radioisotopes have significantly impacted fields such as medicine, where their applications in diagnosis and therapy have revolutionized patient care, as well as in industry and research.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,300, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.