radioactive
/ˌɹeɪdiəʊˈaktɪv/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: radioactives
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Exhibiting radioactivity.
Adjective
Examples
As a matter of fact many of our best drinking waters have all sorts of unspecified qualities. Burton water, for example, is radioactive by Beetham's standards up to the ninth degree.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Any radioactive substance.
Noun
Examples
Any ship nearby will receive a lethal dose of gamma rays, neutrons, and other radioactives.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “radioactive” mean?
Exhibiting radioactivity.
Is “radioactive” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.