radium

noun, ra·di·um often attributive \ˈrā-dē-əm\

: a radioactive element that is used medically in cancer treatments

Full Definition of RADIUM

: an intensely radioactive brilliant white metallic element that resembles barium chemically, occurs in combination in minute quantities in minerals (as pitchblende or carnotite), emits alpha particles and gamma rays to form radon, and is used chiefly in luminous materials and in the treatment of cancer — see element table

See radium defined for English-language learners

See radium defined for kids

Origin of RADIUM

New Latin, from Latin radius ray

First Known Use: 1899

Rhymes with RADIUM

stadium

RADIUM Defined for Kids

radium

noun ra·di·um \ˈrā-dē-əm\

Definition of RADIUM for Kids

: a strongly radioactive element found in very small quantities in various minerals (as pitchblende) and used in the treatment of cancer

Medical Dictionary

radium

noun , ra·di·um often attrib \ˈrād-ē-əm\

Medical Definition of RADIUM

: an intensely radioactive shining white metallic element that resembles barium chemically, that occurs in combination in minute quantities in minerals (as pitchblende or carnotite) principally as the isotope of mass number 226 formed from uranium 238, having a half-life of 1620 years, and emitting alpha particles and gamma rays to form radon, and that is used chiefly in luminous materials and in the treatment of cancer—symbol Ra; see element table