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gamma ray
noun
: a photon emitted spontaneously by a radioactive substance
also
: a photon of higher energy than that of an X-ray
Examples of gamma ray in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead a bomb releases all its power as electromagnetic radiation, including gamma rays and x-rays.
—Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 13 June 2024
Supernovae can also produce a sudden burst of gamma rays, as can the merger of compact objects like neutron stars.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Apr. 2024
Fortunately, Earth’s atmosphere blocks most gamma rays from space, but that also means the only way to observe gamma-ray bursts is through a space telescope like Swift.
—Amy Lien, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2024
Just as ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays, make sunscreen a necessity lest one risk skin cancer, gamma rays would also require a form of physical protection.
—Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gamma ray
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gamma ray.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1903, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Gamma ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gamma%20ray. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
gamma ray
noun
: a ray that is like an X-ray but of higher energy and that is given off especially by a radioactive substance
Medical Definition
gamma ray
noun
: a photon emitted spontaneously by a radioactive substance
also
: a high-energy photon
—usually used in plural
More from Merriam-Webster on gamma ray
Nglish: Translation of gamma ray for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gamma ray
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