Definition of "cosmic ray" []

• A stream of ionizing radiation of extraterrestrial origin, consisting chiefly of protons, alpha particles, and other atomic nuclei but including some high-energy electrons, that enters the atmosphere, collides with atomic nuclei, and produces secondary radiation, principally pions, muons, electrons, and gamma rays. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "“Cluck,” reported the cosmic ray counter, “cluck-brrrp-cluck.”"
• "“I know that cosmic ray shack’s going to be too crowded if I have to sit up with that thing,” he growled."