solar wind

solar wind

noun

Definition of SOLAR WIND

: plasma continuously ejected from the sun's surface into and through interplanetary space

First Known Use of SOLAR WIND

1958

Rhymes with SOLAR WIND

AmerInd, in the wind, near the wind, off the wind, on the wind, second wind, stellar wind, tamarind

solar wind

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Flux of particles, chiefly protons, electrons, and helium nuclei, accelerated by the hot solar corona's high temperatures to speeds high enough to allow them to escape the Sun. Solar flares increase its intensity. The solar wind deflects planets' magnetospheres and the ion tails of comets away from the Sun. The uninterrupted portion of the solar wind continues to travel to a distance of about 110–170 astronomical units, where it cools and eventually diffuses into interstellar space. See also heliopause.