radioactive series

noun

, Physics, Chemistry.

1. a succession of elements initiated in the radioactive decay of a parent, as thorium or uranium, each of which decays into the next until a stable element, usually lead, is produced.

radioactive series

noun

1. physics a series of nuclides each of which undergoes radioactive decay into the next member of the series, ending with a stable element, usually lead See uranium series neptunium series thorium series actinium series

Word History and Origins

Origin of radioactive series¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

"This is the metal we're going to attack, uranium—the parent of radium—and the whole radioactive series, ending with the end-product lead."

From Project Gutenberg