radioactive

Definition

Exhibiting radioactivity.

Etymology

Coined by Pierre Curie and Marie Curie in 1898 as French radio-actif, equivalent to English radio- + active.

Example Sentences

• "As a matter of fact many of our best drinking waters have all sorts of unspecified qualities. Burton water, for example, is radioactive by Beetham's standards up to the ninth degree."
• "Today, no one would intentionally smear radioactive materials on their face, but in 1933, the dangers of radioactivity were not yet fully understood."
• "Even sleazy tactics and his radioactive mouth may not be able to contain this debacle."