Word Study
ionizing radiation
CIDE DICTIONARY
ionizing radiation, n.
rays of rapidly moving subatomic particles, x-reys, or gamma rays, sufficiently energetic to cause ionization when absorbed by matter.
"Such radiation is emitted by radioactive elements, or may be generated by highly energetic physical processes, as in stars. When absorbed by living tissue, ionizing radiation can cause mutation, cellular damage, or death." [PJC]
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