decay constant


noun Physics.

the reciprocal of the decay time.
Also called decay rate, disintegration constant.

Origin of decay constant

First recorded in 1930–35

Words nearby decay constant

Medical definitions for decay constant

decay constant

n.

The constant ratio for the number of atoms of a radionuclide that decay in a given period of time compared with the total number of atoms of the same kind present at the beginning of that period. disintegration constant radioactive constant