definitions

decay constant

noun Physics.

the reciprocal of the decay time.

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Nearby words

decatur, decatur, stephen, decatyl alcohol, decay, decay chain, decay constant, decay series, decay theory, decay time, decca, deccan

Origin of decay constant

First recorded in 1930–35
Also called decay rate, disintegration constant.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Medicine definitions for decay constant

decay constant

n.

The constant ratio for the number of atoms of a radionuclide that decay in a given period of time compared with the total number of atoms of the same kind present at the beginning of that period.disintegration constant radioactive constant
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.