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rem definition

rem (rem)

noun pl. rem

a basic unit used to measure the amount of biological damage caused by various types of ionizing radiation, equal to the dose that produces the same amount of damage in human tissue as one roentgen of X-rays or gamma rays (0.01 sievert)

Etymology: r(oentgen) e(quivalent), m(an)

REM definition

REM (rem)

noun pl. REMs

Psychol. the periodic, rapid, jerky movement of the eyeballs under closed lids during stages of sleep associated with dreaming

Etymology: r(apid) e(ye) m(ovement)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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