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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For the experiment, Northwestern and Fermilab are using the Northwestern Experimental Underground Site, or NEXUS, located 106 meters below Fermilab so cosmic rays don't interfere.
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Adam Harrington, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
The new simulator reproduces galactic cosmic rays using ion accelerators, giving researchers a powerful tool to study radiation exposure in deep space.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026
The outer belt is made up of billions of high-energy particles that originate from the sun, whereas the inner belt results from interactions of cosmic rays with Earth’s atmosphere.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
The atmosphere would provide ample protection from cosmic rays, meaning habitats could be built on the surface.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 8 Mar. 2026
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Adam Harrington, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
The new simulator reproduces galactic cosmic rays using ion accelerators, giving researchers a powerful tool to study radiation exposure in deep space.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026
The outer belt is made up of billions of high-energy particles that originate from the sun, whereas the inner belt results from interactions of cosmic rays with Earth’s atmosphere.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
The atmosphere would provide ample protection from cosmic rays, meaning habitats could be built on the surface.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 8 Mar. 2026
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 22 Mar. 2026.
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