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

Time Traveler
The first known use of gamma ray was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near gamma ray

Cite this Entry

“Gamma ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gamma%20ray. Accessed 30 Jun. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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