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Glite Dictionary
strontium-90

strontium-90

2 9.9
A radioactive atom that acts like calcium and builds up in bones after nuclear fallout
  • noun
  • /ˈstrɒn.ti.əm ˈnaɪnti/
  • Specialized
: estroncio-90
  • Researchers measured the levels of strontium-90 in the soil after the nuclear accident.

Examples

  • The presence of strontium-90 in the environment is concerning.

  • Scientists study strontium-90 to understand its effects on health and the environment after nuclear fallout.

  • Exposure to strontium-90 is especially dangerous because the isotope can accumulate in human bones.

  • The presence of strontium-90 in milk led to widespread health concerns during nuclear testing.

  • Scientists study strontium-90 to understand its effects on health.

  • Strontium-90 is absorbed by the human body and accumulates in strontium-90 bones like calcium.

  • After the nuclear tests, strontium-90 was found in the soil and water, affecting the local food chain.

Surface Forms

strontium-90 singular
strontium-90s plural

Morphology

strontium-90 = strontium (semi-transparent) = strontium + 90

The relation to the base element 'strontium' is clear, but understanding that '-90' specifies an isotope mass number and the full implications (radioactivity, assimilation into bone) requires domain knowledge.

Etymology

Strontium-90 comes from the Scottish village Strontian, where the mineral that gave the element its name was found, and the -ium ending marks it as a 'metal'. The '90' shows a particular form of strontium that is radioactive and, like calcium, can build up in bones, so strontium-90 is especially dangerous.