cosmic ray
noun
: a stream of atomic nuclei of extremely penetrating character that enter the earth's atmosphere from outer space at speeds approaching that of light
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The team considered the journey of this high-energy cosmic ray through space under the influence of magnetic fields using a statistical technique called in three dimensions called Approximate Bayesian Computation.
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Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Coming from both the Sun and also omnidirectionally from elsewhere across the Universe, these cosmic rays all behaved the same way normal particles do on Earth, except were at significantly greater energies.
—Big Think, 30 Jan. 2026
Muons allow scientists to infer the energy, mass, and direction of the cosmic rays emitted by these cosmic events.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Quantum bits are inherently fragile and thus sensitive to all kinds of environmental factors, such as electric or magnetic fields, mechanical vibrations, or even cosmic rays.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Dec. 2025
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Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Coming from both the Sun and also omnidirectionally from elsewhere across the Universe, these cosmic rays all behaved the same way normal particles do on Earth, except were at significantly greater energies.
—Big Think, 30 Jan. 2026
Muons allow scientists to infer the energy, mass, and direction of the cosmic rays emitted by these cosmic events.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Quantum bits are inherently fragile and thus sensitive to all kinds of environmental factors, such as electric or magnetic fields, mechanical vibrations, or even cosmic rays.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cosmic ray
Cite this Entry
“Cosmic ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmic%20ray. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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