# radiocarbon

/ɹˌeɪdɪəʊkˈɑːbən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/radiocarbon
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a special form of carbon that scientists use to find out how old an object is. It is found in living things and disappears slowly after they die.

For teachers: a radioactive isotope of carbon, specifically carbon-14, used in dating organic materials. It decays at a known rate, allowing researchers to determine the age of archaeological and geological samples.

## Examples

- Scientists use radiocarbon to date ancient bones.
- The museum used radiocarbon dating to confirm that the wooden tools were over five thousand years old.
- By measuring the remaining concentration of radiocarbon in a sample, researchers can calculate the time elapsed since the organism last absorbed carbon from the atmosphere.

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