Radium: meaning, definitions and examples
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radium
[ ˈreɪ.di.əm ]
element, chemistry
Radium is a highly radioactive element that is found in trace amounts in uranium and pitchblende. It is a silvery-white metal that glows faintly in the dark due to its radioactivity. Discovered by Marie Curie and Pierre Curie in 1898, radium was once used in various medical treatments, particularly in cancer therapy, because of its ability to emit radiation. However, due to its harmful effects and the dangers associated with radioactivity, its use has been largely discontinued. Today, radium is primarily of historical interest and used in research.
Synonyms
none.
Examples of usage
- Radium was used in early cancer treatments.
- The glow of radium in the dark fascinated scientists.
- Studying radium helps us understand radioactivity.
- The discovery of radium changed medical practices.
Translations
Translations of the word "radium" in other languages:
🇵🇹 rádio
🇮🇳 रेडियम
🇩🇪 Radium
🇮🇩 radium
🇺🇦 радій
🇵🇱 rad
🇯🇵 ラジウム
🇫🇷 radium
🇪🇸 radio
🇹🇷 radyoaktif element
🇰🇷 라듐
🇸🇦 راديوم
🇨🇿 radium
🇸🇰 rádium
🇨🇳 镭
🇸🇮 radij
🇮🇸 radíum
🇰🇿 радий
🇬🇪 რადიუმი
🇦🇿 radium
🇲🇽 radio
Etymology
The term 'radium' derives from the Latin word 'radius', meaning 'ray', which reflects its property of radiating rays of light. The element was discovered in 1898 by the pioneering scientists Marie Curie and Pierre Curie. Through their experiments with uranium ore, they isolated radium, which was notable for emitting considerable amounts of radioactivity. Following its discovery, radium captured the public's imagination. In the early 20th century, it was marketed as a miracle cure for various ailments and was even incorporated into consumer products, such as toothpaste and cosmetics. The harmful effects of radium exposure, notably in the infamous cases of the 'Radium Girls', led to a decline in its use and significant regulatory changes concerning radioactive materials. Today, radium's historical importance is recognized, while its dangers serve as a cautionary tale in the fields of chemistry and health.