radiopharmaceutical

noun

ra·​dio·​phar·​ma·​ceu·​ti·​cal ˌrā-dē-ō-ˌfär-mə-ˈsü-ti-kəl How to pronounce radiopharmaceutical (audio)
: a radioactive drug used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
radiopharmaceutical adjective

Examples of radiopharmaceutical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pushing boundaries for new radiopharmaceuticals Radiopharmaceuticals are all the rage in some biotech circles, but some voices of caution are saying slow down. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 31 Aug. 2026 Nuclear and Precision Health Solutions operates nuclear pharmacies and manufacturing facilities, including for radiopharmaceuticals used in PET scans. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026 The world of nuclear medicine is on the cusp of unprecedented advancements powered by the rapid evolution of radiopharmaceuticals. — Stephen Belcher, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for radiopharmaceutical

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radiopharmaceutical was in 1952

Rhymes for radiopharmaceutical

See All Rhymes for radiopharmaceutical

Browse Nearby Words

radiophare
radiopharmaceutical
radiophone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Radiopharmaceutical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiopharmaceutical. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

radiopharmaceutical

1 of 2 noun
ra·​dio·​phar·​ma·​ceu·​ti·​cal ˌrād-ē-ō-ˌfär-mə-ˈsüt-i-kəl How to pronounce radiopharmaceutical (audio)
: a radioactive drug used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes

radiopharmaceutical

2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or being a radiopharmaceutical
radiopharmaceutical agents

More from Merriam-Webster on radiopharmaceutical

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about radiopharmaceutical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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