alpha decay

noun

, Physics.

1. a radioactive process in which an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus of an atom, decreasing its atomic number by two.

alpha decay

noun

1. the radioactive decay process resulting in emission of alpha particles

alpha decay

1. The radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus by emission of an alpha particle (two protons bound to two neutrons). When an element undergoes alpha decay, its atomic number decreases by two.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpha decay¹

First recorded in 1935–40