coronal mass ejection

noun

: a tremendous outburst of energy from the corona of the sun that can cause disruptions in the earth's geomagnetic field

As they had for the January eruption, the researchers relied on an armada of spacecraft to track the disturbance, known as a coronal mass ejection because it originates in the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona.—

R. Cowen

—abbreviation CME compare solar flare

Examples of coronal mass ejection 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.

These particles gain energy from coronal mass ejections, which take a few days to reach Earth. —

Jamie Carter, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 Geomagnetic storms result from coronal mass ejections, also known as an eruption of solar material, is anticipated to reach and impact Earth. —

Skyler Caruso, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024 During this phase, coronal mass ejections are stronger and more frequent, and the aurora is visible farther south than usual. —

Sara Ruberg, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024 The center monitors sunspots, solar flares and plasma emissions called coronal mass ejections that could impact the electrical grid, communication, satellites and more. —

Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for coronal mass ejection

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of coronal mass ejection was in 1974

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Style

“Coronal mass ejection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coronal%20mass%20ejection. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.

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