Curie (Ci)


Curie (Ci): A unit of radioactivity. (Specifically, the quantity of any radioactive nuclide in which the number of disintegrations per second is 3.7 X 10 to the 10th). Named for Marie and Pierre Curie who did pioneering research in radioactivity, distinguished alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, discovered polonium and radium, and isolated pure radium. They shared the Nobel Prizes in Physics (with A.H. Becquerel) in 1903 and, after Pierre’s death, Marie received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911.

Read Also:

  • Currarino syndrome

    Currarino syndrome: Failure of formation of all or part of the sacrum (the lowest section of the spine). Currarino syndrome is a condition characterized by the combination of: Partial absence of the sacrum (the lowest portion of spine), Anorectal (anal and rectal) abnormalities, and An abnormal mass in front of the sacrum (due to a […]

  • Cushing syndrome

    The constellation of symptoms and signs caused by an excess of cortisol hormone. Cushing syndrome is an extremely complex hormonal condition that involves many areas of the body. Common symptoms are thinning of the skin, weakness, weight gain, bruising, hypertension, diabetes, thin weak bones (osteoporosis), facial puffiness and, in women, cessation of menstrual periods. Ironically, […]

  • Curse, Ondine's

    Curse, Ondine’s: Failure from birth of central nervous system control over breathing while asleep. There are usually no breathing problems while awake. The involuntary (autonomic) control of respiration is impaired, but the voluntary control of ventilation which operates during waking hours is generally intact. There can, in addition, be problems with the motility of the […]

  • Cushing's ulcer

    Cushing’s ulcer: A type of gastrointestinal ulcer associated with stressful medical conditions of the brain, in particular, trauma (accidents), operations, or strokes. The ulcers occur more commonly in the stomach than the duodenum. Although the ulcers usually do not cause symptoms, complications include bleeding and perforation. The cause of stress ulcers such as Cushing’s ulcers […]

  • Cushing, Harvey

    Cushing, Harvey: Renowned American neurosurgeon (1869-1939) whose name is now associated with Cushing syndrome (Cushing disease), the Cushing phenomenon, Cushing ulcer, Cushing-Rokitansky ulcer, Bailey-Cushing syndrome, Cushing’s clip, Cushing’s law, Cushing’s symphalangism, Cushing’s triad, Neurath-Cushing syndrome, and the adjective “cushingoid.” Cushing served as Professor of Surgery at Harvard and Surgeon in Chief at the Peter Bent […]


Disclaimer: Curie (Ci) definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.