Definition

Noun: * Radioactive material: Any substance that emits radiation as a result of the spontaneous disintegration of its atomic nuclei. This material contains unstable atoms that release energy (radiation) to become more stable.

Usage

• The term "radioactive material" is a compound noun used to categorize substances based on their physical property of radioactivity.
• It is commonly used in scientific, industrial, medical, and regulatory contexts.
• It typically functions as a subject or object in a sentence.

Examples

• The laboratory has strict protocols for handling radioactive material.
• Spent nuclear fuel is a highly dangerous form of radioactive material.
• Geiger counters are used to detect radioactive material.

Advanced Usage

• "Sealed radioactive source": A radioactive material permanently bonded or fixed within a capsule to prevent leakage.
  • The device uses a sealed radioactive source for calibration.
• In regulatory language, specific quantities of radioactive material are defined for the purposes of licensing and safety (e.g., "exempt quantities of radioactive material").

Variants and Related Words

• Radioactivity (n): The property or phenomenon exhibited by radioactive material.
  • The radioactivity of the sample was measured.
• Radioisotope (n): A radioactive isotope of an element, often a specific type of radioactive material used in medicine or research.
  • The doctor injected a radioisotope for the scan.
• Source material: In nuclear contexts, this often refers to material (like uranium) that can be used to produce fissionable material.

Synonyms

• Radioactive substance: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably.
• Radionuclide: Refers specifically to an atom with an unstable nucleus; a collection of identical radionuclides constitutes a radioactive material.

Related Phrases

• Radioactive waste: Material that is radioactive and no longer useful, requiring disposal.
  • The safe storage of radioactive waste is a major challenge.
• Radioactive decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.
  • Scientists calculated the age of the artifact using radioactive decay.

Noun

1. material that is radioactive