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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
These tardigrades were exposed to heavy doses of gamma rays—high-energy photons that are one form of ionizing radiation—and researchers then studied how their systems responded.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 24 Oct. 2024
Scientists have long known that thunderstorms can produce gamma rays, extremely high-energy light that is more often associated with astrophysical phenomena, such as exploding stars and matter-devouring black holes.
—Lee Billings, Scientific American, 21 Oct. 2024
Scientists think that gamma rays emerge in thunderstorms when electrons accelerate through strong electric fields in the clouds.
—Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2024
The plane also detected two types of gamma ray bursts never before recorded.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Oct. 2024
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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 23 Nov. 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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