strontium 90

noun Chemistry.

a harmful radioactive isotope of strontium, produced in certain nuclear reactions and present in their fallout.
Also called radiostrontium.

Origin of strontium 90

First recorded in 1950–55

Words nearby strontium 90

strongylosis, strontia, strontian, strontianite, strontium, strontium 90, strontium hydroxide, strontium monoxide, strontium unit, strook, strop

Example sentences from the Web for strontium 90

  • Experiments and fallout observations show that strontium-90 does not penetrate soils deeply.

    Atoms, Nature, and Man |Neal O. Hines

  • It was established that strontium-90 and cesium-137, important in fallout on land, enter the marine cycles only in minute amounts.

    Atoms, Nature, and Man |Neal O. Hines

  • If this is true, strontium-90 may be contained in the deep currents and eventually will be brought again to the surface.

    Atoms, Nature, and Man |Neal O. Hines

  • Much attention has been devoted to strontium-90 and to its availability to man by deposit on plants and soils.

    Atoms, Nature, and Man |Neal O. Hines

Scientific definitions for strontium 90

strontium 90

A radioactive isotope of strontium having a mass number of 90 and a half-life of 28 years. Strontium 90 is the most dangerous component of the fallout from nuclear explosions because it is easily absorbed by the body. It is also used in medicine to treat cancer.