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radioactivity unit

radioactivity unit

5.1
A measure that shows how strong radioactivity is, like the becquerel
  • noun
  • /ˌreɪdiəʊˈæktɪvɪti ˈjuːnɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : unidad de radiactividad
  • The radioactivity unit used in most countries is the becquerel.

Examples

  • The radioactivity unit measures the intensity of radiation.

  • The scientist explained how a radioactivity unit quantifies decay activity.

  • Safety standards specify maximum levels in each radioactivity unit.

  • He explained the radioactivity units used in the experiment.

  • The radioactivity unit measures the amount of radiation emitted by a sample.

  • The most common radioactivity unit for measuring radiation is the sievert.

  • In research, a radioactivity unit helps scientists quantify the level of radioactivity.

Synonyms

Ci
vsradioactivity unit
  • Specialized
8 9.9

A unit that measures radioactivity equal to 37 billion atoms breaking apart each second

is the full name version rather than the abbreviated form
curie
vsradioactivity unit
  • Archaic
1 9.7

A unit for measuring radioactivity equal to 37 billion decays each second

is the general term for any measure of radioactivity intensity
millicurie
vsradioactivity unit
  • Specialized
9.3

A small measure of how radioactive something is, equal to one thousandth of a curie

is about measures for radioactivity in general rather than tiny fractions
microcurie
vsradioactivity unit
  • Specialized
7.7

A very small unit for measuring radiation equal to one millionth of a curie

is the general measurement idea not limited to very small amounts
mache
vsradioactivity unit
  • Archaic
9.9

An old unit showing how much radon gas is in the air

is a general measure for radioactivity intensity not limited to air readings

Surface Forms

Morphology

radioactivity + unit

The meaning is directly compositional: 'radioactivity' (radiation from atomic decay) combined with 'unit' (a measurement standard) yields a measurement unit for radioactivity. This follows the common noun+unit construction found cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The noun radioactivity unit comes from putting together radioactivity (the energy atoms give off) and unit (a standard way to measure). That's why a radioactivity unit is a standard measure, like the becquerel, 'to show how strong the radioactivity is'.