rem

[ rem ]

nounNucleonics.
  1. the quantity of ionizing radiation whose biological effect is equal to that produced by one roentgen of x-rays.

Origin of rem

1
1945–50; r(oentgen)e(quivalent in)m(an)

Other definitions for REM (2 of 2)

REM
[ rem ]

Origin of REM

2
First recorded in 1955–60

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for REM (1 of 2)

REM1

abbreviation for
  1. rapid eye movement

British Dictionary definitions for REM (2 of 2)

REM2

rem

/ (rɛm) /


n acronym for
  1. roentgen equivalent man

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for rem

rem

[ rĕm ]


  1. The amount of ionizing radiation required to produce the same biological effect as one rad of high-penetration x-rays. The rem has been replaced in most scientific contexts by the sievert.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for rem

rem

An acronym for roentgen equivalent man. A unit of absorbed doses of radiation.

Notes for rem

A normal medical x-ray delivers about 0.02 rem; a fatal dose of radiation is several thousand rem.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.