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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
Tracking lines arc through the expansive field, recalling cosmic rays shooting across a cloud chamber.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
Our planet’s magnetic field shields Earth’s biosphere and atmosphere from barrages of high-energy cosmic rays and dangerous outbursts of solar particles and radiation.
—Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2024
Earth’s magnetic field also prevents cosmic rays from reaching the astronauts.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 19 Sep. 2024
Things like supernova explosions and the solar wind can create cosmic rays with enough energy to make neutrons rain down on Earth.
—Briley Lewis, Popular Science, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmic ray
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Word History
First Known Use
1925, in the meaning defined above
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 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
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
More from Merriam-Webster on cosmic ray
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cosmic ray
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