radioactive series

noun Physics, Chemistry.

a succession of elements initiated in the radioactive decay of a parent, as thorium or uranium, each of which decays into the next until a stable element, usually lead, is produced.
Also called decay series.

Origin of radioactive series

First recorded in 1920–25

Words nearby radioactive series

radioactive dating, radioactive decay, radioactive fallout, radioactive iodine, radioactive isotope, radioactive series, radioactive tracer, radioactive waste, radioactivity, radioallergosorbent test, radioautograph

Definition for decay series (2 of 2)

decay series

noun Physics.

radioactive series.

British Dictionary definitions for decay series

radioactive series

noun

physics a series of nuclides each of which undergoes radioactive decay into the next member of the series, ending with a stable element, usually lead See uranium series, neptunium series, thorium series, actinium series