gamma ray

noun

: a photon emitted spontaneously by a radioactive substance

also : a photon of higher energy than that of an X-ray

Examples of gamma ray in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Long-duration GRBs, which are blasts of high-energy gamma rays that last over two seconds, come from the core collapse of massive stars that leads to a supernova explosion. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Apr. 2025

When the records were examined, it was found that the detectors had been triggered by occasional bursts of gamma rays, but that the source could not possibly be anything near Earth. —Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2025

From gamma rays to the vacuum of space, Conan’s resilience outshines nature’s toughest competitors. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Cosmic rays, gamma rays, and X-rays, all associated with the massive jets emerging from the black hole at the heart of this galaxy, threaten any life that may have emerged in J2345-0449. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gamma ray

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

gamma ray

noun

: a ray that is like an X-ray but of higher energy and that is given off especially by a radioactive substance

Medical Definition

gamma ray

noun

: a photon emitted spontaneously by a radioactive substance

also : a high-energy photon

—usually used in plural