gamma radiation

noun

: radiation composed of gamma rays

Examples of gamma radiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Most tropical lightning storms are akin to massive pots of boiling water — but emitting bursts of gamma radiation instead of steam, according to reports in Nature. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Oct. 2024 Thunderstorms create a lot of wind, rain, and lightning, but many people aren’t necessarily aware of another common byproduct: gamma radiation. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024 This gamma radiation is so prevalent that pilots have even documented faint glows within storm clouds. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024 Research has shown that water bears can survive exposure to gamma radiation at doses as high as 5,000 Gy (Gray) and, in some cases, even up to 6,200 Gy. Scott Travers, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gamma radiation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gamma radiation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gamma radiation was in 1904

Dictionary Entries Near gamma radiation

Cite this Entry

“Gamma radiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gamma%20radiation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

gamma radiation

noun
: radiation made up of gamma rays

Medical Definition

gamma radiation

noun
: radiation that is composed of gamma rays and is used in cancer radiotherapy

More from Merriam-Webster on gamma radiation

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