cobalt 60


noun Chemistry.

a radioactive isotope of cobalt having a mass number of 60 and a half-life of 5.2 years, used chiefly in radiotherapy.

Origin of cobalt 60

First recorded in 1945–50

Example sentences from the Web for cobalt 60

  • Nothing happened although the board showed the gauge's cobalt-60 beta and gamma still hot.

    The Thirst Quenchers |Rick Raphael

Cultural definitions for cobalt 60

cobalt 60
[ (koh-bawlt) ]

A radioactive isotope produced when neutrons bombard atoms of the element cobalt.

notes for cobalt 60

Cobalt 60 is a common substance used in radiation therapy for cancer.