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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

Examples of cosmic ray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since entering interstellar space, the craft has been studying plasma waves, cosmic rays and magnetic fields in the heliosphere, the immense bubble of solar wind around the solar system. George Petras, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025 If the cosmic ray bound turns out to be meaningless, r is allowed to be even lower. Big Think, 22 Oct. 2025 On Mars, long-term exposure to galactic cosmic rays poses another challenge. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 Mapping the heliosphere The heliosphere was first theorized by multiple scientists investigating the concept of cosmic rays and the solar wind in the late 1950s, according to NASA. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cosmic ray

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmic ray was in 1925

Cite this Entry

“Cosmic ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmic%20ray. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cosmic ray

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