ACTINISM Meaning and
Definition
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Actinism refers to the property or quality of radiant energy, particularly in the form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, that has the capability to produce chemical reactions, particularly photochemical reactions, on various substances. This term is derived from the Greek word "aktis," meaning "ray" or "beam," and it is commonly used in the field of physics and photography.
In the context of physics, actinism describes the ability of radiant energy to cause changes in matter. UV rays possess high energy levels, capable of breaking and forming chemical bonds, thereby inducing chemical reactions. This property of actinism is extensively utilized in various fields, such as medicine, chemistry, and environmental studies. For instance, UV radiation plays a crucial role in the sterilization of medical equipment, as it can effectively kill bacteria and viruses by altering their genetic material.
In the realm of photography, actinism plays a significant role in the sensitivity of photographic film. The chemicals present in the film are sensitive to light, particularly UV rays, which triggers a reaction that leads to the formation of an image. Actinism helps to capture and record visual information by converting light into a permanent record.
Overall, actinism refers to the ability of radiant energy, specifically UV radiation, to cause chemical reactions. It has wide-ranging applications across various scientific fields, from medical sterilization to photography, where its effects are harnessed to bring about desired changes in matter or capture visual information.
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The chemical action of rays from a luminous source, residing chiefly though not exclusively in and beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACTINISM
- zctinism
- sctinism
- wctinism
- qctinism
- axtinism
- avtinism
- aftinism
- adtinism
- acrinism
- acfinism
- acginism
- acyinism
- ac6inism
- ac5inism
- actunism
- actjnism
- actknism
- actonism
- act9nism
Etymology of ACTINISM
The word "actinism" comes from the Greek word "aktis" (ἀκτίς), meaning "ray" or "beam". It is combined with the suffix "-ism" to form "actinism". The term was first introduced by Sir John Herschel, an English mathematician, astronomer, and chemist, in the early 19th century. Herschel used the term to describe the chemical effects of radiation, particularly the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Similar spelling words for ACTINISM
- acting,
- actinium,
- actinic ray,
- actinal,
- actinia,
- actinidia,
- actinian,
- actinozoan,
- actinic,
- acetone,
- acetum,
- acidimetric,
- acetonemia,
- actinoid,
- Actinosome,
- actium,
- actinolite,
- actinaria,
- actiniarian,
- actinometry,
- actinon,
- actinomyces,
- actin,
- academism,
- actinomycin,
- actinometer,
- acuteness,
- actinide,
- actiniaria,
- acidimetry,
- actinomeris,
- action,
- acetonic,
- ectoenzyme.
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