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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Space is a cruel environment, filled with high-energy cosmic rays and extreme temperatures that can corrode and damage sensitive materials.
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But strangelets generated in cosmic rays or lingering from violent astrophysical events might survive indefinitely.
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And the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer aboard the International Space Station is observing cosmic rays, which some models suggest may be produced by dark matter particles.
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During this time, the elevated presence of some specific atomic isotopes indicate that the weakened magnetic field allowed more cosmic rays to reach the surface.
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Humans traveling beyond this bubble will be subjected to dangerous cosmic rays and solar storms, which can damage cells and cause changes in DNA.
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The ScanPyramids team takes advantage of cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles emitted by the sun and other stars.
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The solar and cosmic rays strip atoms in the area of one or more of their electrons, giving them a positive charge and leaving the electrons to act as free particles.
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Despite its strange shape, trajectory and lack of a tail, ‘Oumuamua is just a comet after all, its ice locked away beneath a tarlike crust hardened and desiccated by eons of bombardment by 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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