radioactivity
UK: ˌreɪdiəʊækˈtɪvəti | US: ˌreɪdioʊækˈtɪvəti
n. the property of certain elements (e.g., uranium, radium) of emitting energy or particles spontaneously due to nuclear instability.
n. the phenomenon of radiation resulting from atomic decay.
radioactivity = radio<radiation> + activ<active> + ity<noun suffix>
- radio (from Latin radius, meaning "ray" or "radiation") → Refers to electromagnetic waves or emitted particles.
- activ (from Latin activus, meaning "active") → Indicates a state of action or energy release.
- ity (noun-forming suffix from Latin -itas) → Denotes a quality or condition.
Etymology Origin:
Coined in the early 20th century after the discovery of radioactive elements like radium. Combines radio- (radiation) with activity to describe the "active emission of rays" during atomic decay. The term reflects the scientific understanding of unstable nuclei releasing energy—a logical fusion of physical observation and Latin roots.
Marie Curie pioneered research on radioactivity.
Geiger counters measure levels of radioactivity.
Uranium exhibits natural radioactivity.
Strict safety protocols minimize exposure to radioactivity.
Radioactivity decays over time according to half-life principles.