Definition

the time required for half of something to undergo a process: such as
the time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive substance to become disintegrated
the time required for half the amount of a substance (such as a drug, radioactive tracer, or pesticide) in or introduced into a living system or ecosystem to be eliminated or disintegrated by natural processes
a period of usefulness or popularity preceding decline or obsolescence //slang usually has a short half-life

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

half-life

noun

Synonyms

half-life

noun

ˈhaf-ˌlīf ˈhäf-

the time required for half of something to undergo a process: such as
the time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive substance to become disintegrated
the time required for half the amount of a substance (such as a drug, radioactive tracer, or pesticide) in or introduced into a living system or ecosystem to be eliminated or disintegrated by natural processes
a period of usefulness or popularity preceding decline or obsolescence //slang usually has a short half-life

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

half-life

noun

half-life

noun

ˈhaf-ˌlīf ˈhäf-

the time required for half of something to undergo a process: such as
the time required for half of the atoms of a radioactive substance to become disintegrated
the time required for half the amount of a substance (such as a drug, radioactive tracer, or pesticide) in or introduced into a living system or ecosystem to be eliminated or disintegrated by natural processes
a period of usefulness or popularity preceding decline or obsolescence //slang usually has a short half-life

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

half-life

noun