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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The upper layer of Bennu's surface has been exposed to cosmic rays for 2 million to 7 million years, the study reports. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2025 For more than a century, scientists have known that Earth is constantly bombarded by cosmic rays, charged particles with staggering energies, far beyond what our accelerators can produce. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2025 Life on these worlds would have to lurk underground for reasons other than thirst alone because their surface is scarcely shielded by an atmosphere and constantly bombarded with lethal cosmic rays. Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 17 Aug. 2025 These codes, baked into nearly every digital system, are designed to detect and repair any errors that noise, interference or cosmic rays might inflict. Quanta Magazine, 7 Aug. 2025 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 8 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cosmic ray

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