synchrotron radiation

noun

: radiation emitted by high-energy charged relativistic particles (such as electrons) when they are accelerated by a magnetic field (as in a nebula)

Examples of synchrotron radiation in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Synchrotron cooling happens when high-speed electrons lose energy by emitting that aforementioned synchrotron radiation. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 28 Nov. 2025 The lost energy will be emitted as potent synchrotron radiation—about 10,000 times as much radiation as is emitted by protons circling the LHC today. — IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2025 Most recently, the lab has partnered with Argonne National Laboratory and used synchrotron radiation to get an ever-better look at the nanostructure of kingfisher feathers. — ArsTechnica, 18 Feb. 2026 Cosmic Cartography Scientists typically find cosmic magnetic fields by studying synchrotron radiation — radio emissions produced as a magnetic field bends the path of electrons traveling close to the speed of light. — Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for synchrotron radiation

Word History

Etymology

from its having been first observed in a synchrotron

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of synchrotron radiation was in 1956

Rhymes for synchrotron radiation

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Browse Nearby Words

synchrotron
synchrotron radiation
Synchytrium
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Cite this Entry

“Synchrotron radiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synchrotron%20radiation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on synchrotron radiation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about synchrotron radiation

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