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

Researchers in the collaboration are comparing the latest data on the cosmological microwave background radiation with the various possible shapes of the universe. —Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 23 May 2026

These monitoring systems measure natural background radiation and look for unusual increases. —Eduardo B. Farfán, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 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

According to the Department of Energy, its Nuclear Emergency Support Team will be conducting routine background radiation surveys in the days leading up to the game, a standard security measure for major events. —Steve Large, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

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