gamma ray
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
Words nearby gamma ray
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for gamma ray
Medical 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.
Scientific 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.