radon

noun

ra·​don ˈrā-ˌdän 

: a heavy radioactive gaseous element formed by the decay of radium see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of radon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other risks are a family history of lung cancer or radon exposure. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024

Another important pre-move-in step is to make sure all of the detectors — smoke, carbon monoxide and radon — are operational. —Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 23 July 2024

Do it every two years, says the state of Michigan's radon advisory because a home's foundation can shift to allow more radon to enter or an initial test may be inaccurate. —Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Feb. 2024

Thawing Arctic permafrost will expose local populations to more radon, and the iodine of desert dust may decrease ozone pollution but increase greenhouse gas longevity. —Alexander Sammon, Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2022

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from radium

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

radon

noun

ra·​don ˈrā-ˌdän 

: a heavy radioactive gaseous element formed by the breaking apart of radium atoms see element

Medical Definition

radon

noun

ra·​don ˈrā-dän 

: a heavy radioactive gaseous element of the group of inert gases formed by disintegration of radium and used similarly to radium in medicine

—symbol Rn

called also radium emanation

see Chemical Elements Table