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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
First discovered in 1947, kaons aren’t commonly found in nature but can be created inside particle detectors, as well as by cosmic rays crashing into Earth’s atmosphere.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024
This atmosphere, along with a huge magnet in the center of the Earth, helps protect us from the Sun’s harmful radiation, mostly solar wind and cosmic rays.
—Thomas Orlando, Discover Magazine, 9 Aug. 2024
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
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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 21 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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