Advertisement
Advertisement
radium
[ rey-dee-uhm ]
noun
- Chemistry. a highly radioactive metallic element whose decay yields radon gas and alpha rays. : Ra; : 226; : 88.
- a lustrous rayon or silk fabric constructed in plain weave and used in women's apparel, lining, and drapery.
radium
/ ˈreɪdɪəm /
noun
- a highly radioactive luminescent white element of the alkaline earth group of metals. It occurs in pitchblende, carnotite, and other uranium ores, and is used in radiotherapy and in luminous paints. Symbol: Ra; atomic no: 88; half-life of most stable isotope, 226Ra: 1620 years; valency: 2; relative density: 5; melting pt: 700°C; boiling pt: 1140°C
- ( as modifier )
radium needle
radium
/ rā′dē-əm /
- A rare, bright-white, highly radioactive element of the alkaline-earth group. It occurs naturally in very small amounts in ores and minerals containing uranium, and it is naturally luminescent. Radium is used as a source of radon gas for the treatment of disease and as a neutron source for scientific research. Its most stable isotope is Ra 226 with a half-life of 1,622 years. Atomic number 88; melting point 700°C; boiling point 1,737°C; valence 2.
- See Periodic Table
Discover More
Notes
Radium was discovered by the chemists Marie and Pierre Curie .
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of radium1
C20: from Latin radius ray
Discover More
Example Sentences
We know now that radium, or at least radio-active substances, represent the philosopher's stone of the olden time.
From Project Gutenberg
Radium was discovered in 1898 by M. and Madame Curie and M. Bmont, while experimenting with the uranium mineral pitchblende.
From Project Gutenberg
It seems that an atom of radium does actually disintegrate, and by disintegrating give out energy.
From Project Gutenberg
"They are using radium repellent rays to keep us from approaching," he informed.
From Project Gutenberg
The cost of one pound of radium is variously estimated at from one to three millions of dollars.
From Project Gutenberg
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse