gamma radiation

British  

noun

1. electromagnetic radiation emitted by atomic nuclei; the wavelength is generally in the range 1 × 10 ^–10 to 2 × 10 ^–13 metres

2. electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength emitted by any source, esp the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with a wavelength less than about 1 × 10 ^–11 metres

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gamma radiation Cultural  

1. The most energetic radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum; it has the lowest wavelength and the highest frequency in the spectrum. Gamma rays are sent out by some radioactive nuclei. Unlike alpha radiation and beta radiation, gamma rays are not made up of particles, and they have no charge.

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Example Sentences

The frozen samples were placed in a gamma radiation chamber at Penn State's Radiation Science and Engineering Center.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

After surveying the city-owned portion of the peninsula, Cabrera Services found 10 areas with elevated levels of gamma radiation — powerful electromagnetic energy that can penetrate human tissue and damage cells.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2024

Radiation portal monitors detect gamma radiation and are typically used at airports to scan individuals to ensure they do not have radioactive substances on them.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2023

On islands such as Bikini, the average background gamma radiation is double the maximum value stipulated by an agreement between the governments of the Marshall Islands and United States.

From Scientific American • Apr. 4, 2022

The cometary impact and fireball would simulate all effects of a one- megaton nuclear burst, including the mushroom cloud, with two exceptions: there would be no gamma radiation or radioactive fallout.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan