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gamma radiation
Radiation of gamma rays which consist of very high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, similar in nature to X-rays but of shorter wavelength emitted by the nuclei of radioactive substances during decay or by the interactions of high-energy electrons with matter.

Gamma emission usually occurs as part of alpha or beta emissions; however, they are less ionizing in their effect than alpha and beta particles, but are dangerous nevertheless because they can penetrate deeply into body tissues; such as, bone marrow.

Controlled application of gamma radiation is important in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions, including skin cancer and malignancies deep within the body.

Gamma radiation is also used to kill bacteria and other micro-organisms, to sterilize medical devices, and to change the molecular structure of plastics to modify their properties.

Word Entries at Get Words: “gamma radiation
gamma radiation (s) (noun), gamma radiations (pl)
Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than those of X-rays: Gamma radiation is given off by any type of origin, but particularly by a part of the electromagnetic spectrum with a wavelength no more than 1 × 10–11 metres
This entry is located in the following unit: Astronomy and related astronomical terms (page 11)