cobalt 60

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a radioactive isotope of cobalt having a mass number of 60 and a half-life of 5.2 years, used chiefly in radiotherapy.

cobalt 60

1. A radioactive isotope produced when neutrons bombard atoms of the element cobalt.

Notes

Cobalt 60 is a common substance used in radiation therapy for cancer .

Word History and Origins

Origin of cobalt 60¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Nothing happened although the board showed the gauge's cobalt-60 beta and gamma still hot.

From Project Gutenberg