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.

Understanding the full picture requires precise measurements of the energy spectra of different cosmic ray species and their individual "knees."

From Science Daily • Nov. 16, 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

Astrophysicists have long suspected supernovae of being top cosmic ray contributors.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2024

“Some of the cosmic ray enthusiasts are very likely to urge that nature has furnished us with particles of extremely high energies,” he observed.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik