gamma

noun

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gam·ma | \ ˈga-mə

Definition of gamma

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the 3rd letter of the Greek alphabet — see Alphabet Table

2 : the degree of contrast of a developed photographic image or of a video image

3 : a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one nanotesla

4 : gamma ray gamma counter

5 : microgram

gamma

adjective

Definition of gamma (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : of, relating to, or being one of three or more closely related chemical substances

2 : third in position in the structure of an organic molecule from a particular group or atom —symbol γ

Examples of gamma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective And the worldwide shortage of gamma ferric oxide has brought tape production to a crawl. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 11 Oct. 2019 In addition to remaining unperturbed by the outside world, this specific subset of cells tended to spike regularly at gamma-range intervals, like a metronome. — Diana Kwon, Scientific American, 18 July 2019 This revealed phytanic acid (frequently found in the fat and milk of ruminants), azelaic acid (common in wholegrain cereals) and gamma-terpinene (typically found in herbs like coriander). — The Economist, 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gamma.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for gamma

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek gȧmma, borrowed from Phoenician *gaml-, perhaps with the original sense "throwing stick"

Adjective

attributive use of gamma entry 1

Learn More About gamma

Dictionary Entries Near gamma

gaming table

gamma

gamma acid

Statistics for gamma

Cite this Entry

“Gamma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gamma. Accessed 23 Jan. 2022.

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More Definitions for gamma

gamma

noun

English Language Learners Definition of gamma

: the third letter of the Greek alphabet

See the full definition for gamma in the English Language Learners Dictionary

gamma

noun

gam·ma | \ ˈgam-ə

Medical Definition of gamma

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the third letter of the Greek alphabet —symbol Γ or γ

2 : a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one nanotesla

3 : gamma ray —usually used as the attributive form of gamma ray gamma counter

4 : microgram sense 1

gamma

adjective

variants: or γ-

Medical Definition of gamma (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : of or relating to one of three or more closely related chemical substances the gamma chain of hemoglobin γ-yohimbine —used somewhat arbitrarily to specify ordinal relationship or a particular physical form and especially one that is allotropic, isomeric, or stereoisomeric (as in gamma benzene hexachloride)

2 : third in position in the structure of an organic molecule from a particular group or atom also : occurring at or having a structure characterized by such a position γ-hydroxy acids

3 of streptococci : producing no hemolysis on blood agar plates