radiation sickness

noun

, Pathology.

1. sickness caused by irradiation with x-rays or other nuclear radiation as a result of therapeutic treatment, accidental exposure, or a nuclear bomb explosion and characterized by nausea, vomiting, headache, cramps, diarrhea, loss of hair and teeth, destruction of white blood cells, and prolonged hemorrhage.

radiation sickness

noun

1. pathol illness caused by overexposure of the body or a part of the body to ionizing radiations from radioactive material or X-rays. It is characterized by vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases by sterility and cancer

Word History and Origins

Origin of radiation sickness¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

“People who are exposed to these ... are in big trouble and are liable to radiation sickness, liable to cancer down the road if they survive post-exposure.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a big relief to know that no one was hurt by radiation sickness in the process of recovering it,” Barger said.

From Los Angeles Times

Officials with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works are offering $1,000 for the return of a gauge that, if damaged, can cause radiation sickness.

From Washington Times

The city was leveled for miles and the survivors suffered radiation sickness, life-changing injuries and unshakable trauma.

From Los Angeles Times

The radiation released by the bombs caused thousands more people to die from radiation sickness in the weeks, months and years that followed.

From BBC