cosmic ray
a radiation of high penetrating power that originates in outer space and consists partly of high-energy atomic nuclei.
Origin of cosmic ray
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use cosmic ray in a sentence
cosmic ray observations are more challenging than many other forms of astronomy.
Due to their varying origins, they carry a variety of energies, which is called the cosmic ray spectrum.
At the end of the second day after their trouble with the cosmic ray field, they stopped for observation.
Islands of Space | John W CampbellThe X-ray is high on the scale and even the cosmic ray is far above its lower limit of detection.
The Solar Magnet | Sterner St. Paul MeekAnd he pointed to the cosmic-ray skiagraph of the Moon on the curved glass dome overhead.
It was relux, and he knew it, but he knew what would happen when that cosmic ray hit it.
Invaders from the Infinite | John Wood CampbellArcot shot out a cosmic ray himself, and swept the Thessian with it thoroughly.
Invaders from the Infinite | John Wood Campbell
Scientific definitions for cosmic ray
A ray of radiation of extraterrestrial origin, consisting of one or more charged particles such as protons, alpha particles, and larger atomic nuclei. Cosmic rays entering the atmosphere collide with atoms, producing secondary radiation, such as pions, muons, electrons, and gamma rays. Cosmic rays (and secondary radiation) can be easily seen in a cloud chamber.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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