cosmic ray

NOUN

high-energy radiation from space

Synonyms

WEAK

aurora particles cosmic particle cosmic particles intergalactic matter radiation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The bacteria were then exposed to radiation equivalent to 20 million years of cosmic ray bombardment on the Martian surface.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

Zhang's team will next examine cosmic ray sources by merging IceCube Neutrino Observatory data with results from X-ray and gamma-ray telescopes.

From Science Daily • Nov. 26, 2025

In 1948, Bristol's cosmic ray physics team, led by Professor Cecil Powell, were hunting for new fundamental particles.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2024

Inspired by his doctoral adviser, John A. Simpson, Dr. Stone performed his first cosmic ray experiments in 1961 while working on Discover 36, an Air Force spy satellite.

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2024

A cosmic ray striking a different gene, producing a different mutation, can have small consequences early but profound consequences late.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan