Cosmic rays Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒz.mɪk reɪz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

High-energy particles originating from outside the Earth’s atmosphere, including protons, electrons, and atomic nuclei, often interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.

Etymology

The term “cosmic ray” was coined by American physicist Robert Andrews Millikan in 1925, derived from the Greek words “kosmos” (meaning “universe”) and “rays” (meaning “particles” or “radiation”).

Usage Notes

Cosmic rays are often used in scientific research to study the formation and evolution of the universe, as well as the interactions between matter and energy.

Cultural References

Notable appearances in popular culture include the 2014 film “Interstellar” and the 2019 video game “Sea of Solitude”, both exploring the theme of cosmic rays and their impact on humanity.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

N/A

Related Words or Phrases

• Aurora
• Black Hole
• Gamma Ray

Collocations

Cosmic rays + Astronomy, Cosmic rays + Space Exploration, Cosmic rays + Climate Change

Frequency of Use

Cosmic rays are a relatively specialized term, but their importance in understanding the universe has led to increased mentions in scientific and popular literature.

Common Misspellings

cosmeric rays, cosmicray, cosmik rays