1. atoms with unstable nuclei that emit radiation as they decay
Usage: scientific; plural form

Examples

• Scientists use radionuclides in medical imaging to diagnose diseases.
• The nuclear power plant monitors radionuclides in the surrounding environment.
• Carbon-14 and uranium-238 are common radionuclides found in nature.
• Doctors inject small amounts of radionuclides to trace blood flow in patients.
• The laboratory detected dangerous radionuclides in the contaminated soil.
• Radionuclides have half-lives ranging from seconds to millions of years.