cosmic ray
noun
: a stream of atomic nuclei of extremely penetrating character that enter the earth's atmosphere from outer space at speeds approaching that of light
Examples of cosmic ray in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The instrument hunts for elusive dark matter by characterizing high-energy particles known as cosmic rays.
—
Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Because of the observed asymmetry between matter and antimatter, most of these cosmic rays are made from matter, but some are formed of antimatter.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2024
Despite being underground to avoid interference from cosmic rays and radiation, the detector's sensitivity is unprecedented.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Most electrons in cosmic rays have energies of a few hundred gigaelectronvolts (GeV).
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmic ray 
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.
Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Because of the observed asymmetry between matter and antimatter, most of these cosmic rays are made from matter, but some are formed of antimatter.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2024
Despite being underground to avoid interference from cosmic rays and radiation, the detector's sensitivity is unprecedented.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Most electrons in cosmic rays have energies of a few hundred gigaelectronvolts (GeV).
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmic ray
Dictionary Entries Near cosmic ray
Cite this Entry
“Cosmic ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmic%20ray. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share