halflife

/ˈhælfˌlaɪf/

Definitions

1. noun

The average lifetime of a radioactive atom or nucleus before it decays.

“The physicist studied the halflife of the new isotope and its potential applications.”

2. noun

A time interval in which the population of a radioactive substance decreases by half.

“The researchers measured the halflife of the radioactive material and calculated its remaining lifespan.”

Synonyms

  • half-life period
  • mean lifetime

Antonyms

  • eternity
  • infinity