Meaning & use
gamma rays
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“gamma rays” is a form of “gamma ray”.
Meanings
nounusually plural
Extremely high-energy electromagnetic radiation with very short wavelengths, given off by radioactive atoms and by cosmic events such as exploding stars.
Grammar: Usually plural; singular is gamma ray: a gamma ray burst.
Patterns
- gamma rays from something
- a source of gamma rays
Gamma rays can pass through thick layers of material.
Astronomers detected gamma rays coming from a distant star explosion.
Lead shielding helps protect workers from gamma rays.
nounusually plural
Radiation of this kind used in medicine and industry, for example to destroy tumors or sterilize equipment.
Grammar: Used with verbs like use, treat or sterilize: hospitals use gamma rays.
Patterns
- treat something with gamma rays
Doctors treat some cancers with gamma rays.
Medical tools are often sterilized with gamma rays.
Word forms
| singular | gamma ray |
|---|
Common combinations
- emit gamma rays
- Radioactive cobalt emits gamma rays.
- gamma ray burst
- A gamma ray burst was recorded last night.
- exposure to gamma rays
- Exposure to gamma rays can damage cells.
- gamma ray telescope
- The gamma ray telescope orbits above Earth's atmosphere.
- detect gamma rays
- Special sensors detect gamma rays from space.
Synonyms and how they differ
- gamma radiation
- Gamma radiation is the same phenomenon named as a general effect, while gamma rays names the rays themselves.
- X-rays
- X-rays are similar but usually lower in energy and made differently, so gamma rays are more penetrating.
- cosmic rays
- Cosmic rays are mostly fast-moving particles from space, not electromagnetic waves like gamma rays.
Word family
Commonly confused: gamma rays or X-rays?
gamma rays vs X-rays
X-rays come from electron processes outside the nucleus and are less energetic; gamma rays come from the nucleus or cosmic events.
Practice
Which kind of radiation has the highest energy?
Choose one answer.
Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and highest energy of these. Radio waves and microwaves are the lowest, and visible light is in between.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “gamma rays”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.