Autoradiography is a scientific technique that is used to visualize the distribution of radioactive isotopes in a sample. It is a powerful tool that is used in many fields of science, including biology, chemistry, and physics. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of autoradiography, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Autoradiography is a technique that involves exposing a sample to a radioactive isotope and then using photographic film to capture the distribution of the radioactive material. The technique is based on the fact that radioactive isotopes emit particles that can be detected by photographic film.
Origin
The technique of autoradiography was first developed in the early 20th century by George de Hevesy, a Hungarian chemist. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1943 for his work on the use of radioactive isotopes in tracing chemical processes.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, autoradiography is defined as “a technique for detecting the presence of a radioactive substance in a sample by exposing the sample to photographic film or a phosphor screen that is sensitive to the radiation emitted by the substance.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines autoradiography as “a technique for detecting and visualizing the distribution of a radioactive substance in a sample by exposing the sample to photographic film or other radiation-sensitive material.”
Associations
Autoradiography is commonly used in the fields of biology, chemistry, and physics. It is used to study the distribution of radioactive isotopes in biological tissues, the movement of molecules in chemical reactions, and the structure of materials in physics.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for autoradiography include radioautography, radiography, and radioisotope imaging.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for autoradiography, as it is a specific scientific technique.
The same root words
Autoradiography is derived from the Greek words autos, meaning “self,” and radiography, meaning “the use of X-rays or other radiation to produce images of the internal structure of a nontransparent object.”
Example Sentences
- The autoradiography technique was used to study the distribution of radioactive isotopes in the brain tissue.
- The results of the autoradiography experiment revealed the movement of molecules in a chemical reaction.
- The autoradiography images showed the structure of the material at the atomic level.