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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmic ray was in 1925

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

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