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gamma ray

noun

, Physics.
  1. a photon of penetrating electromagnetic radiation gamma radiation emitted from an atomic nucleus.
  2. a photon emitted by an electron as a result of internal conversion.
  3. electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than approximately one tenth of a nanometer.

gamma ray

  1. A stream of high-energy electromagnetic radiation given off by an atomic nucleus undergoing radioactive decay. Because the wavelengths of gamma rays are shorter than those of x-rays, gamma rays have greater energy and penetrating power than x-rays. Gamma rays are emitted by pulsars, quasars, and radio galaxies but cannot penetrate the Earth's atmosphere.
  2. See more at radioactive decay

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Word History and Origins

Origin of gamma ray1

First recorded in 1900–05

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