radioactive decay

[rey-dee-oh-ak-tiv di-key]

noun

Physics.

1. a radioactive process in which a nucleus undergoes spontaneous transformation into one or more different nuclei and simultaneously emits radiation, loses electrons, or undergoes fission.

radioactive decay

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: decay. Also called: disintegration. disintegration of a nucleus that occurs spontaneously or as a result of electron capture. One or more different nuclei are formed and usually particles and gamma rays are emitted

radioactive decay

1. The spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus into a lighter one, in which radiation is released in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and other particles. The rate of decay of radioactive substances such as carbon 14 or uranium is measured in terms of their half-life.

2. See also decay radioisotope

Word History and Origins

Origin of radioactive decay¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

They are created by nuclear fusion reactions in the sun, radioactive decay in nuclear reactors or the Earth's crust or in particle accelerator labs.

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Quantum mechanical effects such as radioactive decay, or more generally: 'tunneling', display intriguing mathematical patterns.

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Helium is a byproduct of natural gas extraction, and it also occurs naturally from radioactive decay in the Earth’s crust.

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Quantum theory governs everything from semiconductors which are ubiquitous in computer chips, to lasers, to superconductivity to radioactive decay.

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It forms through the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium deep in the crust and eventually seeps out and escapes into space.

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