Ionizing radiation

i·on·i·zing radiation (-nzng)

n.

High-energy radiation capable of producing ionization in substances through which it passes.

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Ionizing radiation

Radiation that can damage living tissue by disrupting and destroying individual cells at the molecular level. All types of nuclear radiation—x rays, gamma rays and beta rays—are potentially ionizing. Sound waves physically vibrate the material through which they pass, but do not ionize it.

Mentioned in: Abdominal Ultrasound, Hypogonadism, Interstitial Microwave Thermal Therapy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Recurrent Miscarriage

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ionizing radiation

high-energy radiation, such as x-rays and gamma-rays which react in a similar manner to produce ion pairs or ionization. Gamma-rays are used in the control of growth of tumors and sterilization of food, in which they have some undesirable side-effects, e.g. they destroy the enzymes in meat that cause tenderizing; off-flavors are also a problem.