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
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On top of that, ionizing radiation in space from cosmic rays and other sources poses a unique challenge, degrading the solar panels, the radiative coolers, and the chips themselves. IEEE Spectrum, 11 June 2026 The phenomenon was discussed in the debrief as possibly tied to cosmic rays or heavy particles passing through the eye. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026 On Earth, the Large Hadron Collider can smash atoms together and accelerate particles to near light speeds — but in space, there are high-energy cosmic rays with over 10 million times more power than even those zippy particles. Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 May 2026 Not all involve capes or cosmic rays. Gabrielle Principe, The Conversation, 5 May 2026 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 26 Jun. 2026.

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

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