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.

Origin of gamma ray

First recorded in 1900–05

Words nearby gamma ray

gamma globulin, gamma hydroxybutyrate, gamma iron, gamma knife, gamma radiation, gamma ray, gamma ray astronomy, gamma ray burst, gamma rays, gamma stock, gamma-aminobutyric acid

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.

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.