strontium 90
Save This Word!
noun Chemistry.
a harmful radioactive isotope of strontium, produced in certain nuclear reactions and present in their fallout.
QUIZZES
THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
Also called radiostrontium.
Origin of strontium 90
First recorded in 1950–55
Words nearby strontium 90
strongylosis, strontia, strontian, strontianite, strontium, strontium 90, strontium hydroxide, strontium monoxide, strontium unit, strook, strop
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for strontium 90
Scientific definitions for strontium 90
strontium 90
A radioactive isotope of strontium having a mass number of 90 and a half-life of 28 years. Strontium 90 is the most dangerous component of the fallout from nuclear explosions because it is easily absorbed by the body. It is also used in medicine to treat cancer.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.