noun
Uncommon
gamma
GA-muh
Gamma (noun) means the third letter of the Greek alphabet (Γ, γ). Example: “In physics formulas, gamma often stands for a specific constant or angle.”
noun
1
The third letter of the Greek alphabet (Γ, γ).
"In physics formulas, gamma often stands for a specific constant or angle."
"Alpha, beta and gamma are the first three letters of the Greek alphabet."
"The student wrote a gamma on the board and asked what it stood for."
2
Short for gamma ray, a high-energy form of electromagnetic radiation.
"The detector measured gamma emissions from the radioactive sample."
How to use gamma
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe Greek letter Γ/γ, or (in science) shorthand for gamma radiation and various technical constants.
Common pairings
gamma ray
gamma radiation
gamma correction
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Word forms
- Plural
- gammas
Fill the gap
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In physics formulas, _____ often stands for a specific constant or angle.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Ancient Greek gámma, the letter's name.
Rhymes for gamma
See all rhymes for gamma →Frequently asked questions
What does “gamma” mean?
The word “gamma” means the third letter of the Greek alphabet (Γ, γ). In plain terms, the Greek letter Γ/γ, or (in science) shorthand for gamma radiation and various technical constants.
How do you pronounce “gamma”?
“Gamma” is pronounced GA-muh (/ˈɡæ.mə/ in IPA).
How do you use “gamma” in a sentence?
Here is “gamma” used in a sentence: “In physics formulas, gamma often stands for a specific constant or angle.”
What part of speech is “gamma”?
“Gamma” is a noun.
Where does the word “gamma” come from?
The word “gamma” comes from Ancient Greek. A learned borrowing from Ancient Greek gámma, the letter's name.
Is “gamma” a common word?
“Gamma” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gamma” have?
“Gamma” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the third letter of the Greek alphabet (Γ, γ).
What is the difference between gamma the Greek letter and gamma ray?
Gamma as a Greek letter (Γ, γ) is simply an alphabet character used in Greek and in scientific notation. Gamma ray is a distinct, shortened term for a high-energy form of electromagnetic radiation, unrelated in meaning beyond sharing the name.
Where is the Greek letter gamma commonly used in science and math?
The Greek letter gamma is commonly used as a symbol in mathematics, physics, and statistics, for example to represent specific constants, functions, or angles. Its use varies by field, but it is a standard symbol alongside other Greek letters like alpha and beta.
Are gamma rays dangerous?
Gamma rays are a high-energy form of electromagnetic radiation and can be harmful to living tissue in sufficient doses because of that high energy. They are used carefully in controlled settings such as medical treatment and industrial applications specifically because of this power.
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