rad

1 of 3

noun

ˈrad 

: a unit of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation equal to an energy of 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material

rad

2 of 3

adjective

slang

: cool sense 7, radical

rad

3 of 3

abbreviation

1

radian

2

radius

3

radix

Examples of rad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Anyway, this rather elaborate Dry Bowser castle set looks absolutely rad. —WIRED, 9 Oct. 2024

The place had a patio (some have decks) and kitchenette, a king bed and two twin beds in a loft, and a rad shower with six adjustable side jets. —Alison Osius, Outside Online, 1 Nov. 2024

This kit gives kids the chance to make dozens of rad electronic gadgets in a snap. —Toby Rose, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024

Costanzo, who recently took over Opera Philadelphia and who seems to pop up almost any time something rad is happening in the opera world, sings every role in this Figaro himself. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

radiation absorbed dose

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1953, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1982, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

rad

1 of 2 noun

ˈrad 

: a unit of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation equal to an energy of 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material

rad

2 of 2 abbreviation

root

—used in writing prescriptions

Etymology

Abbreviation

Latin radix