ScienceSeptember 3, 2026

radiogenic

RAY-dee-oh-JEN-ik

Definition

Relating to or produced by radioactive decay, specifically used in this context to describe isotopes like strontium used in geological and archaeological dating.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'radius' (ray) combined with the Greek suffix '-genēs' (born or produced), describing elements that originate from radioactive processes.

In the news

Researchers used radiogenic strontium analysis to compare the chemical signature in tooth enamel against local geology, proving the individuals were locals rather than foreigners.

Study: Shackled men in ancient Greek burial site were locals, not foreigners

Read the full article ↗

ASU News

Related words

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.