-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
often attributive
: an intensely radioactive metallic chemical element that occurs in combination in minute quantities in minerals (such as pitchblende or carnotite), emits alpha particles and gamma rays to form radon, and is used chiefly in the treatment of cancer and in radiographic devices see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of radium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Eventually, in light of the dangers of radium, Panerai revamped its lume with a new material called Luminor.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024
The double Nobel Prize winner is most famous for her discovery of radioactivity, as well as the radioactive elements radium and polonium.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024
Both radium and radon are radioactive and can cause cancer.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2024
The hands and indexes are delicately filled with egg-shell colored Super-LumiNova, reflecting the radium originally used, ensuring visibility in all lighting conditions.
—Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for radium
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Latin radius ray
First Known Use
1898, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing radium
Dictionary Entries Near radium
Cite this Entry
“Radium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radium. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
radium
noun
ra·di·um
ˈrād-ē-əm
often attributive
: an intensely radioactive shining white metallic element that resembles barium chemically, that occurs in combination in minute quantities in minerals (as pitchblende or carnotite) principally as the isotope of mass number 226 formed from uranium 238, having a half-life of 1620 years, and emitting alpha particles and gamma rays to form radon, and that is used chiefly in luminous materials and in the treatment of cancer
—symbol Ra
see Chemical Elements Table
More from Merriam-Webster on radium
Nglish: Translation of radium for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about radium
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share