actinism

[ak-tuh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. the property of radiation by which chemical effects are produced.

Word History and Origins

Origin of actinism¹

First recorded in 1835–45; actin- + -ism

Example Sentences

Of or pertaining to actinism; as, actinic rays.

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More than three hundred years have elapsed since the influence and actinism of light on chloride of silver was observed by the alchemists of the sixteenth century.

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What the ray will do depends solely upon what kind of matter it falls upon, and all three of these names, light, heat, and actinism, are names of effects of radiant energy.

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The mechanism must be sensitive, as such properties of matter as heat, light, electricity, magnetism, and actinism, are to be handled, caused to vanish and reappear, analyzed and measured.

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It is the centre from which an inconceivable amount of force in the shape of light, heat, actinism, and probably other manifestations, is hourly poured forth.

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Related Words

• Roentgen rays www.thesaurus.com
• Röntgen rays www.thesaurus.com
• radioactivity