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Radioisotope Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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radioisotope

[ˈreɪdiəʊˌaɪsətoʊp ]

Definition

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

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Radioisotopes are used in medicine for supplies like cancer treatments and diagnostic imaging, which help doctors see inside our bodies.
  • They can also be used in radioactive dating, which helps scientists determine the age of rocks and fossils based on their decay rates.
  • Most of the elements found in nature have at least one radioisotope, making them quite common in various scientific fields.

Applications

  • Radioisotopes are essential in power sources for space equipment, providing energy for satellites and exploratory probes.
  • In agriculture, certain radioisotopes are used to improve crop yield and fight pests by understanding plant biology.

Safety and Regulations

  • Because they emit radiation, radioisotopes are carefully monitored to protect human health and the environment.
  • There are strict regulations governing the use and disposal of radioisotopes to prevent contamination and ensure public safety.

Pop Culture

  • In various films and TV shows, radioisotopes are often depicted as sources of superpowers or dangerous currents, dramatizing their real-world concerns.
  • Comic books frequently use radioisotopes to explain the origin of superhero abilities, attributing powers to exposure to radiation.

Origin of 'radioisotope'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'radioisotope' comes from 'radio-', relating to radioactivity, and 'isotope', meaning different forms of the same element.
  • The term 'isotope' was coined in 1913, while 'radioisotope' became commonly used in the 1930s with the discovery of radioactive elements.

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.