radiation sickness

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. sickness caused by irradiation with x-rays or other nuclear radiation as a result of therapeutic treatment, accidental exposure, or a nuclear bomb explosion and characterized by nausea, vomiting, headache, cramps, diarrhea, loss of hair and teeth, destruction of white blood cells, and prolonged hemorrhage.

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radiation sickness British  

noun

1. pathol illness caused by overexposure of the body or a part of the body to ionizing radiations from radioactive material or X-rays. It is characterized by vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases by sterility and cancer

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Etymology

Origin of radiation sickness

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

In high enough doses, radiation sickness almost always causes nausea, headaches, and a general feeling of illness that can last anywhere from a few hours to two days.

From Literature

“People who are exposed to these ... are in big trouble and are liable to radiation sickness, liable to cancer down the road if they survive post-exposure.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a big relief to know that no one was hurt by radiation sickness in the process of recovering it,” Barger said.

From Los Angeles Times

Officials with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works are offering $1,000 for the return of a gauge that, if damaged, can cause radiation sickness.

From Washington Times

They examined security camera footage from the power plant, and they checked local hospitals for patients showing signs of radiation sickness.

From New York Times