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definitions

gamma ray

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noun Physics.

a photon of penetrating electromagnetic radiation (gamma radiation) emitted from an atomic nucleus.
a photon emitted by an electron as a result of internal conversion.
electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than approximately one tenth of a nanometer.

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Origin of gamma ray

First recorded in 1900–05
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for gamma ray

Contemporary Examples of gamma ray

Historical Examples of gamma ray

  • The figure on the next page shows the gamma-ray spectrum for the patient.

  • Meanwhile they amused themselves occasionally by planting a gamma-ray bomb in each of Mars' major cities.

    The Ultimate Weapon

    John Wood Campbell

  • A source of neutrons to activate the material and a gamma-ray spectrometer to measure the radiation from the material afterwards.

  • Then you place each card, in turn, on a holder close to the gamma-ray detector for a period of 10 minutes.

  • Gamma-ray spectra are collected all day, first from a sample, then from its accompanying standard.

Medicine definitions for gamma ray

gamma ray

n.

Electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom by radioactive decay and having energies in a range from ten thousand (104) to ten million (107) electron volts.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for gamma ray

gamma ray

A stream of high-energy electromagnetic radiation given off by an atomic nucleus undergoing radioactive decay. Because the wavelengths of gamma rays are shorter than those of x-rays, gamma rays have greater energy and penetrating power than x-rays. Gamma rays are emitted by pulsars, quasars, and radio galaxies but cannot penetrate the Earth's atmosphere. See more at radioactive decay.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.