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
1
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 notesIn 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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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
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.
