radioactive
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radioactive
Having the property of certain atomic nuclei to transform spontaneously while emitting ionizing radiation, such as alpha, beta, or gamma radiation.
Uran ist ein bekanntes radioaktives Element.
Uranium is a well-known radioactive element.
The word is made up of 'Radio-' (relating to radiation) and 'aktiv' (active). So it literally means 'radiation-active'.
Nach dem Unfall wurde eine radioaktive Wolke freigesetzt.
After the accident, a radioactive cloud was released.
'radioaktiv' (radioactive) is usually combined with nouns from physics and environmental technology. Typical examples are 'radioaktiver Abfall' (radioactive waste), 'radioaktives Material' (radioactive material), or 'radioaktive Strahlung' (radioactive radiation). It is often combined with adverbs such as 'schwach' (weakly) or 'stark' (strongly/highly).
Die Entsorgung von radioaktivem Abfall ist ein großes Problem.
The disposal of radioactive waste is a major problem.
Although 'radioaktiv' (radioactive) is a technical term from physics, it is very common in the news and in everyday language, especially when nuclear energy or environmental issues are involved.
Die Behörden warnten vor radioaktiver Kontamination des Gebiets.
The authorities warned of radioactive contamination of the area.
stable
'stabil' and 'radioaktiv' are opposites only in a specific technical context, namely when talking about atomic nuclei or substances. 'radioaktiv' means that a substance emits radiation because its atomic nuclei are changing. In this context, 'stabil' means that a state is steady and does not suddenly change. In everyday language, however, the words are not normal opposites: a table can be 'stabil', but not as the opposite of 'radioaktiv'.
Die Forscher fanden radioaktive Stoffe in der alten Anlage.
The researchers found radioactive substances in the old facility.
Nach mehreren Tests blieb der Zustand des Materials stabil.
After several tests, the condition of the material remained stable.