B2adjectivescienceenvironment
US/ˌreɪ.di.oʊˈæk.tɪv/
UK/ˌreɪ.di.əʊˈæk.tɪv/
giving off dangerous energy because the atoms of a substance are breaking down
In context
Radioactive waste from the power station must be stored safely for thousands of years.
Uranium is a radioactive metal that is used as fuel.
The area around the damaged reactor stayed radioactive for decades.
Words that go with radioactive
adjective + noun
- radioactive wasteMany countries still argue about where to bury radioactive waste.
- radioactive materialRadioactive material must be handled with special equipment.
- radioactive elementRadium is a radioactive element found in rocks.
- radioactive substanceThe hospital keeps radioactive substances in locked rooms.
- radioactive falloutRadioactive fallout spread across the region after the accident.
adverb + adjective
- highly radioactiveThe metal was highly radioactive and could not be moved by hand.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
radiation wasteCorrect: radioactive waste