What does "gamma ray" mean?

Very high frequency (and therefore very high energy) electromagnetic radiation emitted as a consequence of radioactivity.

What is a synonym for "gamma ray"?

Common synonyms include: actinic ray, actinism, alpha radiation, alpha ray, anode ray, atomic beam.

Gamma ray

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1
Very high frequency (and therefore very high energy) electromagnetic radiation emitted as a consequence of radioactivity.
"Doc Bruce Banner, belted by gamma rays, Turns into the Hulk – Ain’t he unglamour-rays! [unglamorous] Wreckin’ the town with the power of a bull, Ain’t no monster, clown. Who is as lovable As ever-lovin’ Hulk? - Hulk! Hulk!"
2
electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay and having an extremely short wavelength wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms

actinic ray actinism alpha radiation alpha ray anode ray atomic beam

Antonyms

All antonyms

light

Example

More examples

"Doc Bruce Banner, belted by gamma rays, Turns into the Hulk – Ain’t he unglamour-rays! [unglamorous] Wreckin’ the town with the power of a bull, Ain’t no monster, clown. Who is as lovable As ever-lovin’ Hulk? - Hulk! Hulk!"

Next best steps

Browse writing guides Explore topic clusters