Skip to main content
radioiodine

radioiodine

1 7.2
A radioactive form of iodine used in medicine, research, or found in the environment
  • noun
  • /ˌreɪdioʊˈaɪəˌdaɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : radioyodo
  • After the nuclear accident, experts advised people to avoid exposure to radioiodine in the environment.

Examples

  • Natural dietary doses are about two orders of magnitude below the radioiodine-blocking doses administered during a nuclear crisis.

    Blog text (20)
  • A follow-up radioiodine scan showed less than 1% uptake in the thyroid bed and no areas of abnormal concentration.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The risk of toxicity from ablative radioiodine is low.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Iodine-131, radioiodine, damages thyroids and is a definitive treatment for hyperthyroidism.

    Academic text (2014)
  • This can be found in up to 10% of women aged 55 to 60, and is more common after iodine-131 (radioiodine) or surgery for hyperthyroidism.

    Academic text (2014)
  • The doctor explained that radioiodine treatment can effectively target and destroy cancerous thyroid tissue.

  • Radioiodine is used in diagnostic imaging to assess thyroid function and detect abnormalities.

Synonyms

radioisotope
vsradioiodine
  • Specialized
4 8.2

An atom that is unstable and gives off radiation

is the radioactive form of a particular element used in medicine or research
radionuclide
vsradioiodine
  • Specialized
2 8.6

An atom that gives off radiation and is used in medicine or science

is the radioactive form of a particular element used in medicine or research
iodine-131
vsradioiodine
  • Specialized
7.0

A radioactive type of iodine used to check and treat thyroid problems

is a general radioactive form of the element used in medicine or research
iodine-125
vsradioiodine
  • Specialized
7.2

A small radioactive form of iodine used to find and treat thyroid problems

is a broader radioactive form used across medicine research or contamination

Surface Forms

radioiodine singular
radioiodines plural

Morphology

radioiodine = iodine (semi-transparent) = radio + iodine

Combines the scientific combining form 'radio-' (relating to radiation) with 'iodine' to mean radioactive iodine; the technical combining form may be unclear or misinterpreted by general learners.

Etymology

The word radioiodine joins radio-, a part meaning 'ray' or 'radiation', seen in radio and radiation, and iodine, a chemical named for its 'violet' color. So radioiodine literally means 'iodine that gives off radiation', which is why doctors use it to treat some thyroid problems.