radium

[ rey-dee-uh m ]
/ ˈreɪ di əm /

noun

Chemistry. a highly radioactive metallic element whose decay yields radon gas and alpha rays. Symbol: Ra; atomic weight: 226; atomic number: 88.
a lustrous rayon or silk fabric constructed in plain weave and used in women's apparel, lining, and drapery.

Origin of radium

1895–1900; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin rad(ius) ray (see radius) + -ium -ium

Example sentences from the Web for radium

British Dictionary definitions for radium

radium
/ (ˈreɪdɪəm) /

noun

  1. a highly radioactive luminescent white element of the alkaline earth group of metals. It occurs in pitchblende, carnotite, and other uranium ores, and is used in radiotherapy and in luminous paints. Symbol: Ra; atomic no: 88; half-life of most stable isotope, 226 Ra: 1620 years; valency: 2; relative density: 5; melting pt: 700°C; boiling pt: 1140°C
  2. (as modifier)radium needle

Word Origin for radium

C20: from Latin radius ray

Medical definitions for radium

radium
[ rādē-əm ]

n. Symbol Ra

A luminescent, highly radioactive metallic element found in minute amounts in uranium ores, used as a neutron source for some research purposes, and formerly used in cancer radiotherapy; its most stable isotope is Ra 226 with a half-life of 1,622 years. Atomic number 88.

Scientific definitions for radium

radium
[ rādē-əm ]

Ra

A rare, bright-white, highly radioactive element of the alkaline-earth group. It occurs naturally in very small amounts in ores and minerals containing uranium, and it is naturally luminescent. Radium is used as a source of radon gas for the treatment of disease and as a neutron source for scientific research. Its most stable isotope is Ra 226 with a half-life of 1,622 years. Atomic number 88; melting point 700°C; boiling point 1,737°C; valence 2. See Periodic Table.

Cultural definitions for radium

radium

A naturally occurring radioactive chemical element. Its symbol is Ra.

notes for radium

Radium was discovered by the chemists Marie and Pierre Curie.