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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
The instrument hunts for elusive dark matter by characterizing high-energy particles known as cosmic rays.
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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.
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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).
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Michael Irving, New Atlas, 29 Nov. 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 6 Feb. 2025.
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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