The word "desecho radiactivo" in Spanish refers to radioactive waste, which includes any material that is radioactive and is no longer needed or useful. This term is predominantly used in written contexts, especially within the field of nuclear energy and environmental protection.
Examples
Los desechos radiactivos deben ser almacenados de manera segura para evitar daños al medio ambiente. Radioactive waste must be stored safely to prevent damage to the environment.
La planta nuclear está en proceso de eliminar los desechos radiactivos de forma adecuada. The nuclear plant is in the process of properly disposing of radioactive waste.
Idiomatic expressions
In some cases, the term "desecho radiactivo" can be part of specific idiomatic expressions related to environmental hazards or dangers. Here are a few examples:
Estar en desecho radiactivo: to be in a dangerous or harmful situation.
Nunca vayas cerca de ese barril, ¡estás en desecho radiactivo!
Never go near that barrel, you are in radioactive waste!
Evitar el desecho radiactivo: to stay away from potentially harmful or toxic things.
Es mejor evitar el desecho radiactivo y no acercarse a zonas con peligro.
It's best to avoid radioactive waste and stay away from dangerous areas.
Tratar como desecho radiactivo: to handle with extreme caution or care.
Ten cuidado al manipular ese material, hay que tratarlo como desecho radiactivo.
Be careful when handling that material, it must be treated like radioactive waste.
Etymology
Desecho comes from the Latin word "disiectus" meaning "scattered, spread out."
Radiactivo is a term that combines "radio," related to radiation, and "activo," from the Latin "activus" meaning "active."