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
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From cosmic ray experiments to radioactive decay experiments to solar experiments to high-energy physics experiments involving particle colliders, the Standard Model’s predictions have agreed with every single such experiment ever performed.
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Big Think, 24 Mar. 2026
This extreme depth shields the detectors from cosmic rays and other background radiation that could obscure potential dark matter signals.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026
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.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 17 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
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Big Think, 24 Mar. 2026
This extreme depth shields the detectors from cosmic rays and other background radiation that could obscure potential dark matter signals.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026
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.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 17 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
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 31 Mar. 2026.
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