coronal mass ejection

noun

: a tremendous outburst of energy from the corona of the sun that can cause disruptions in the earth's geomagnetic field
As they had for the January eruption, the researchers relied on an armada of spacecraft to track the disturbance, known as a coronal mass ejection because it originates in the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona.R. Cowen
abbreviation CME
compare solar flare

Examples of coronal mass ejection in a Sentence

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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), geomagnetic storm conditions could be sparked by an incoming coronal mass ejection (CME), making auroras in the night sky. Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2025 This peak, occurring throughout the sun’s 11-year cycle, corresponds with a rise in solar events like coronal mass ejections and solar flares. Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 The corona, which became widely visible from Earth in April 2024 during a total solar eclipse, is a region where powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections can erupt to cause space weather that can disrupt Earthly technologies. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 21 July 2025 Northern lights could put on a show tonight (July 2) as an incoming coronal mass ejection (CME) could spark a geomagnetic storm, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for coronal mass ejection

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coronal mass ejection was in 1974

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Cite this Entry

“Coronal mass ejection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coronal%20mass%20ejection. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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