coronal mass ejection

noun

: a tremendous outburst of energy from the corona of the sun that can cause disruptions in the earth's geomagnetic field
As they had for the January eruption, the researchers relied on an armada of spacecraft to track the disturbance, known as a coronal mass ejection because it originates in the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona.R. Cowen
abbreviation CME
compare solar flare

Examples of coronal mass ejection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Astronomers have long observed the 11-year solar cycle during which the number of sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections rise and fall. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2024 Sunspots can fling material outward in different ways: solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2024 The aurora is stronger and more visible farther north, so the solar flares or coronal mass ejections must be stronger to be seen farther south. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 3 June 2024 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said at least five coronal mass ejections were observed beginning May 6, meaning the sun’s corona expelled large amounts of plasma and magnetic field. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 31 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for coronal mass ejection 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coronal mass ejection.' 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

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coronal mass ejection was in 1974

Dictionary Entries Near coronal mass ejection

Cite this Entry

“Coronal mass ejection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coronal%20mass%20ejection. Accessed 6 Jul. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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