noun

radon

RAY-don

Radon (noun) means a colorless, odorless, radioactive noble gas (symbol Rn) that can build up in basements and poses a health risk. Example: “They tested the basement for radon before buying the house.”

noun

A colorless, odorless, radioactive noble gas (symbol Rn) that can build up in basements and poses a health risk.

"They tested the basement for radon before buying the house."

How to use radon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock and can seep into homes.

Common pairings

radon gas radon testing radon exposure

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They tested the basement for _____ before buying the house.

Etymology

A contraction of "radium emanation", since the gas is produced by radium's radioactive decay.

Synonyms

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Rn atomic number 86

Related words

na rn

Frequently asked questions

What does “radon” mean?

The word “radon” means a colorless, odorless, radioactive noble gas (symbol Rn) that can build up in basements and poses a health risk. In plain terms, a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock and can seep into homes.

How do you pronounce “radon”?

“Radon” is pronounced RAY-don (/ˈɹeɪdɒn/ in IPA).

How do you use “radon” in a sentence?

Here is “radon” used in a sentence: “They tested the basement for radon before buying the house.”

What part of speech is “radon”?

“Radon” is a noun.

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