Definition of cosmic ray
: 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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Recent Examples of cosmic ray from the Web
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Astronomers have wondered about this since cosmic rays were first discovered, way back in 1912.
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Most of the neutrinos detected by IceCube originated nearby, spawned by cosmic rays hitting Earth's upper atmosphere.
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Thursday's announcement that a likely source of cosmic rays has been discovered by an observatory at the South Pole is only the most recent breakthrough to feature UW researchers.
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Combined with high-energy ultraviolet light and cosmic rays streaming in from space, perchlorates would destroy any organic material on the surface, leaving little to be seen by carbon-seeking landers and rovers.
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But until now, scientists haven't known for sure where these cosmic rays come from.
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Where does the rain of high-energy particles from space known as cosmic rays come from?
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Gamma rays are associated with the particle acceleration that produces both neutrinos and cosmic rays.
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Gamma rays are associated with the particle acceleration that produces both neutrinos and cosmic rays.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cosmic ray.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of cosmic ray
1925
COSMIC RAY Defined for English Language Learners
cosmic ray
Definition of cosmic ray for English Language Learners
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: a stream of energy that enters the Earth's atmosphere from outer space
COSMIC RAY Defined for Kids
cosmic ray
Definition of cosmic ray for Students
: a stream of very penetrating particles that enter the earth's atmosphere from outer space at high speed
Learn More about cosmic ray
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See words that rhyme with cosmic ray Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cosmic ray
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