radiogenic

American  

[rey-dee-oh-jen-ik] / ˌreɪ di oʊˈdʒɛn ɪk /

adjective

1. Physics. produced by radioactive decay.

   radiogenic lead; radiogenic heat.

2. having qualities or characteristics that broadcast well; suitable for presentation on the radio.

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radiogenic British  

/ ˌreɪdɪəʊˈdʒɛnɪk /

adjective

1. produced or caused by radioactive decay

   a radiogenic element

   radiogenic heat

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radiogenic Scientific  

/ rā′dē-ō-jĕn′ĭk /

1. Being a stable element that is product of radioactive decay. For example, carbon 12 is often radiogenic, having been produced by radioactive decay of carbon 14.

2. Relating to the relation between radiogenic and radioactive elements, especially as a means of determining the age of objects, as in radiometric dating.

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Etymology

Origin of radiogenic

First recorded in 1925–30; radio- + -genic

Example Sentences

“A lot of rocks that are in Australia can produce hydrogen. We have a lot of old granites that are now close to the subsurface and can generate hydrogen through radiogenic processes.”

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2024

The researchers analyzed uranium, thorium and potassium concentrations from hundreds of samples of rocks from the Archean period, when the cratons formed, to assess the radiogenic heat productivity based on actual rock compositions.

From Science Daily • May 8, 2024

Collisions between tectonic plates buried these sedimentary rocks deep in the Earth's crust where radiogenic heat released by the shale triggered melting of the lower crust.

From Science Daily • May 8, 2024

Samuelsen will work closely with Adriana Potra of the UA’s Department of Geosciences because some of the isotopic work will be done in that department’s metal-free radiogenic isotope laboratory.

From Washington Times • May 6, 2018

We can use radiogenic isotopes, for example, to determine if a rock is derived from the Earth’s mantle or the crust, and roughly when this occurred.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2011