alpha ray

noun

, Physics.

1. a stream of alpha particles.

alpha ray

noun

1. ionizing radiation consisting of a stream of alpha particles

alpha ray

1. A stream of alpha particles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpha ray¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

“Keeps out the alpha rays, Max! You don’t get old.”

From The Guardian

Eventually alpha rays were identified as helium atoms stripped of their electrons—that is, helium nuclei-—and beta rays as energetic electrons.

From Literature

He had named them alpha rays, but as he found he could not get them to penetrate even a thin sheet of paper, he was confident that they must be atoms of matter.

From Project Gutenberg

If trapped inside the body, though, alpha rays can cause cancer.

From New York Times

The alpha rays are projected particles which lose energy in penetrating matter.

From Project Gutenberg