radioisotope
Cancer
(RAY-dee-oh-I-suh-tope) An unstable form of a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable. Radioisotopes may occur in nature or be made in a laboratory. In medicine, they are used in imaging tests and in treatment. Also called radionuclide.
Science› Biotechnology and Genetics
Food Biotechnology
An unstable isotope that emits ionizing radiation. Synonym: radioactive isotope.
Nuclear Physics
A radioactive isotope. A common term for a radionuclide.
- — Glossary of Nuclear Science Terms retrieved 2014-05-20