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cobalt 60
noun
co·balt 60
ˈkō-ˌbȯlt-ˈsik-stē
: a heavy radioactive isotope of cobalt of the mass number 60 produced in nuclear reactors and used as a source of gamma rays (as for radiotherapy)
Examples of cobalt 60 in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In Colorado, for instance, 27 buildings house scary-sounding elements such as cesium 137, cobalt 60, americium 241 and iridium 192.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2022
Given all that, replacing cobalt 60 machines does not always go well.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cobalt 60.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1946, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near cobalt 60
Cite this Entry
“Cobalt 60.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cobalt%2060. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
cobalt 60
noun
: a heavy radioactive form of cobalt of the mass number 60 made in nuclear reactors and used to produce gamma rays
Medical Definition
cobalt 60
noun
: a heavy radioactive isotope of cobalt having the mass number 60 produced in nuclear reactors and used as a source of gamma rays especially in place of radium (as in the treatment of cancer and in radiography)
called also radiocobalt
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