background radiation

noun

: the microwave radiation pervading the universe that exhibits a corresponding blackbody temperature of 2.7 K and that is the principal evidence supporting the big bang theory

called also cosmic background radiation

Examples of background radiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The first is the high volume of background radiation. — Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 25 June 2026

This extreme depth shields the detectors from cosmic rays and other background radiation that could obscure potential dark matter signals. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026

Some fallout particles remain aloft at high altitudes for a very long period, raising the overall global background radiation by a small but detectable amount. — Davis Winkie, USA Today, 6 Jan. 2026

All of the nests discovered at the site emitted less than 1% of the natural background radiation that all humans experience daily, according to the SRS. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for background radiation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration