Definition

Relating to the study of the chemical effects of radiation or the changes in substances caused by ionizing radiation.

Example

The radiochemical analysis revealed the presence of radioactive isotopes in the sample.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new radiochemical process they are using in the lab?

Yeah, I read about that! It sounds pretty advanced.

I wonder how it will affect our experiments with radiochemical substances.

Hopefully, it will improve our results and make things safer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A substance that includes one or more atoms of a radioactive isotope, often used in scientific research or medical imaging.

Example

The researchers used a radiochemical to trace the movement of the drug in the body.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a radiochemical?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's a compound that contains radioactive isotopes, often used in research.

Root Explanation

Radiochemical → It is formed from "radio-" (from Latin *radius*, meaning ray) and "chemical" (from Greek *khemia*, meaning the art of transmuting metals). The word refers to the chemical processes involving rays, particularly those from radioactive substances.

Memory Tip

Think of 'rays' ('radio-') interacting with 'chemicals' — that's what radiochemical means.

Visually Confused Words