solar flare

noun

: a sudden temporary outburst of energy from a small area of the sun's surface

called also flare

Examples of solar flare 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.
This peak, occurring throughout the sun’s 11-year cycle, marks an increase in solar events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, occur when solar activity, such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections, triggers magnetic storms. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 June 2025 By using this method to see our nearest star, researchers could reveal more about solar flares, coronal mass ejections, space weather and the still-mysterious uneven heating of the sun. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025 These blemishes mark areas of intense magnetic activity, where solar flares and coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, are likely to occur. Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solar flare

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of solar flare was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Solar flare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar%20flare. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

solar flare

noun
: a sudden temporary outburst of energy from a small area of the sun's surface

More from Merriam-Webster on solar flare

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