radioactive fallout

noun

See under fallout.

Words nearby radioactive fallout

radioactivate, radioactive, radioactive constant, radioactive dating, radioactive decay, radioactive fallout, radioactive iodine, radioactive isotope, radioactive series, radioactive tracer, radioactive waste

Definition for radioactive fallout (2 of 2)

fallout

or fall-out

[ fawl-out ]
/ ˈfɔlˌaʊt /

noun

the settling to the ground of airborne particles ejected into the atmosphere from the earth by explosions, eruptions, forest fires, etc., especially such settling from nuclear explosions (radioactive fallout). Compare rainout.
the particles themselves. Compare rainout.
an unexpected or incidental effect, outcome, or product: the psychological fallout of being obese.
effects; results: emotional fallout from a divorce.

Origin of fallout

First recorded in 1945–50; noun use of verb phrase fall out

British Dictionary definitions for radioactive fallout

fallout
/ (ˈfɔːlˌaʊt) /

noun

the descent of solid material in the atmosphere onto the earth, esp of radioactive material following a nuclear explosion
any solid particles that so descend
informal side-effects; secondary consequences

verb fall out (intr, adverb)

sentence substitute

military the order to leave a parade or disciplinary formation