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
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Muons were unexpectedly found in cosmic ray data in 1936.
—
Big Think, 23 Feb. 2026
Beyond Earth’s protective magnetic field, satellites are bombarded by cosmic rays and high-energy particles that slowly chip away at delicate circuits.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
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.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
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
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Big Think, 23 Feb. 2026
Beyond Earth’s protective magnetic field, satellites are bombarded by cosmic rays and high-energy particles that slowly chip away at delicate circuits.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
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.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
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
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 1 Mar. 2026.
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