radioactive
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
sending out energy in the form of rays or particles that can be harmful to living things.
exhibiting radioactivity through the spontaneous emission of ionising radiation from unstable atomic nuclei.
Simple“The workers wore special suits to protect themselves from the radioactive waste.”
In context“The containment vessel was designed to withstand the intense heat and pressure generated by the radioactive decay of the spent fuel rods.”
UsageUsually precedes the noun it modifies.
- 02 C1 Advanced
so controversial, dangerous, or unpleasant that people want to avoid it completely.
highly controversial or socially toxic; used figuratively to describe individuals or topics that are perceived as damaging to associate with.
Simple“After the scandal, the politician became radioactive and no one wanted to work with him.”
In context“The proposed policy became politically radioactive after the leaked documents revealed the true cost to the taxpayers.”
Teacher's tipThis is a common metaphorical use in business and politics to describe someone whose reputation is ruined.
Coined by Pierre Curie and Marie Curie in 1898 as French radio-actif, equivalent to English radio- + active.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.