rem: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “rem” mean?
A unit of measurement for ionizing radiation dose equivalent, representing the biological effect of radiation on human tissue.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of measurement for ionizing radiation dose equivalent, representing the biological effect of radiation on human tissue.
In computing, REM can refer to a comment in programming languages (like CSS) or as an abbreviation for 'rapid eye movement' in sleep science.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; both regions use the scientific definition identically.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term with potential negative associations when discussing radiation hazards.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties; appears mainly in specialized contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “rem” in a Sentence
X rems of radiationa dose of Y remexposure measured in remVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rem” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as verb
American English
- Not applicable as verb
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as adverb
American English
- Not applicable as adverb
adjective
British English
- The rem measurement showed concerning levels.
- Rem equivalents were calculated for different radiation types.
American English
- The rem measurement indicated safe limits.
- Rem values were recorded in the exposure log.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used except in nuclear energy, healthcare, or environmental safety industries.
Academic
Common in physics, radiology, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in radiation protection, nuclear medicine, and health physics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rem”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rem”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rem”
- Using 'rem' for non-radiation contexts
- Confusing with 'RAM' (computer memory)
- Misspelling as 'rems' in singular context
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, roentgen measures radiation exposure in air, while rem measures biological effect on tissue.
Rem remains in use in some countries (like the US) for regulatory and historical reasons, though sievert is internationally preferred.
Yes, as 'rems' (e.g., '10 rems of exposure'), though often used unchanged in scientific writing.
None; they are homographs. REM sleep = Rapid Eye Movement; radiation rem = Roentgen Equivalent Man.
A unit of measurement for ionizing radiation dose equivalent, representing the biological effect of radiation on human tissue.
Rem is usually technical/scientific in register.
Rem: in British English it is pronounced /rɛm/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɛm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this technical term”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
REMember that REM measures Radiation Effects on Man.
Conceptual Metaphor
Radiation accounting: rem as 'currency' of biological damage.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'rem' measure?