radioactive waste
12
5.0
- noun
- /ˌreɪdiəʊˈæktɪv weɪst/
- Specialized
:
residuos radiactivos
- In a fission power plant, we create a lot of radioactive waste that lasts for a very long time.
- radioactive waste disposal
- high-level radioactive waste
- low-level radioactive waste
Another thing you can do to shorten the lifetime of radioactive waste is to shoot at it with lasers.
- Another thing you can do to shorten the lifetime of radioactive waste is to shoot at it with lasers.
- This highly radioactive waste has to be transported sometimes, for which there are special containers and train carriages.
Examples
-
We still don't have a safe repository for the radioactive waste stored in the Trojan's spent-fuel pool.
Academic text (2007) -
The largest problem is, of course, what to do with the radioactive waste.
Academic text (2012) -
We clean up all the radioactive waste.
-
If so, what would you do with the resulting radioactive waste?
Academic text (2004) -
Every nuclear plant has been generating radioactive waste over its entire lifespan.
Blog text (8) -
Yucca Mountain in Nevada was planned as the long-term disposal site for U.S. radioactive waste.
Blog text (20) -
Chemical and radioactive wastes are contaminating more and more of the earth's surface, rendering many areas unusable.
Academic text (1993) -
Discharged chemicals, medical waste, radioactive waste, storm-water runoff, and sewage all threaten fishermen, recreational boaters, and beachgoers alike.
Academic text (2005) -
The workers must carefully dispose of the radioactive waste to prevent contamination.
-
Scientists are studying the long-term effects of radioactive waste on the environment.
How Radioactive
- Specialized
1
7.8
- Specialized
12
5.0
- Specialized
1
6.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'radioactive' describes the property of 'waste', so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to waste that emits radiation. This adjective+noun pattern is common and has direct equivalents across many languages, making the expression immediately understandable from its parts.
Etymology
Radioactive waste comes from two clear images: radioactive (material that 'gives off radiation') and waste ('leftover' material from a process). So, radioactive waste means the dangerous leftover material that still gives off radiation and must be stored safely.