Definition of Beta ray
1. Noun. Radiation of beta particles during radioactive decay.
Medical Definition of Beta ray
1.
1. Original term used for electrons (and positrons) ejected from decaying nuclei via beta emission. (Label derives from the old days when we had various kinds of radiation emission, and they were labelled alpha, beta, and gamma (the first letters of the Greek Alphabet) because no one really knew what any of them were.)
2. A stream of positive or negative electrons ejected with high energy from a disintegrating atomic nucleus; most biomedically used isotopes emit negative particles (electrons or negatrons, rather than positrons). Cathode rays are low-energy negative electrons produced in cathode ray tubes, also called television tubes or oscilloscopes.
(12 Sep 2000)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Beta Ray
Other Resources:
