radical

radical /rad·i·cal/ (rad´ĭ-k'l)

1. directed to the root or cause; designed to eliminate all possible extensions of a morbid process.

2. a group of atoms that enters and goes out of chemical combination without change.

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free radical  a radical that carries an unpaired electron; such radicals are extremely reactive, with a very short half-life.

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rad·i·cal (rd-kl)

n. Abbr. R

1. A group of elements or atoms usually passing intact from one compound to another but generally incapable of prolonged existence in a free state.

2. A free radical.

adj.

1. Of or being medical treatment by extreme, drastic, or innovative measures.

2. Designed to act on or eliminate the root or cause of a pathological process.

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radical

[rad′ikəl]

Etymology: L, radix, root

1  n, an atom or group of atoms that contains an unpaired electron. A radical does not exist freely in nature except for O₂, NO, and NO₂.

2  adj, pertaining to drastic therapy, such as the surgical removal of an organ, limb, or other part of the body.

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radical,

n 1. a group of atoms that acts together and forms a component of a compound. The group tends to remain bound together when a chemical reaction removes it from one compound and attaches it to another compound. A radical does not exist freely in nature.
adj 2. a drastic measure to cure or prevent the spread of a serious disease, such as the surgical removal of an organ, limb, or other body part.

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radical

1. directed to the cause; going to the root or source of a morbid process.

2. a group of atoms that enters into and goes out of chemical combination without change and that forms one of the fundamental constituents of a molecule.

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free radical

a radical, extremely reactive, and having a very short half-life (10⁻⁵ s or less in an aqueous solution), which carries an unpaired electron.