low-level radioactive waste
1
6.5
- noun
- Specialized
:
residuos radiactivos de bajo nivel
- low-level radioactive waste disposal
- low-level radioactive waste dump
- low-level radioactive waste facility
Examples
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Some French communities stabilize incineration fly ash by using organic binders, a technique originally developed to treat low-level radioactive waste.
Academic text (2000) -
Hospitals need to ensure that they safely dispose of low-level radioactive waste generated from medical tests.
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The government has regulations in place for the management of low-level radioactive waste produced by research institutions.
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Many states struggle to find suitable locations for low-level radioactive waste facilities due to public opposition.
Synonyms
12
5.0
Unwanted material from nuclear power that gives off radiation
Antonyms
- Specialized
1
7.8
Highly radioactive material left after nuclear fuel is used that needs safe storage for a long time
How Radioactive
- Specialized
1
7.8
- Specialized
1
6.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
low-level + radioactive + waste
The phrase is compositionally built: 'low-level' indicates a small degree, 'radioactive' describes emission of radiation, and 'waste' denotes discarded material, so the meaning 'waste with low radioactivity' follows directly from the parts. This adjectival modification is cross-linguistically common and, despite being a technical term, is predictable for a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.
Etymology
Low-level radioactive waste is a plain description: low-level means it gives off only a little radiation, and radioactive waste are materials left over after being briefly used in medical tests or hospital work. So the name tells you it is waste with a 'small' amount of radioactivity, not the highly dangerous kind.