gamma

1 of 2

noun

gam·​ma ˈga-mə How to pronounce gamma (audio)
plural gammas
1
: the 3rd letter of the Greek alphabet see Alphabet Table
2
: something or someone designated with the name gamma or the Greek letter γ especially denoting the third in position, order, or class
gamma hydroxybutyrate
3
: the degree of contrast of a developed photographic image or of a video image
4
: a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one nanotesla
5
: gamma ray
gamma counter
6

gamma

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or being one of three or more closely related chemical substances
2
: third in position in the structure of an organic molecule from a particular group or atom
symbol γ

Examples of gamma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
As with aquaporin 4, blocking the expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide simultaneously blocked the clearance of amyloid beta; the effectiveness of the gamma stimulation fell apart. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Uranium produces electromagnetic waves in the gamma spectrum. WIRED, 8 Sep. 2023 Circus Maximus is in association with Larry Jackson’s new media company gamma, according to the film’s closing credits. Cydney Lee, Billboard, 28 July 2023 The slim and elegant screen delivers 4K content at a speedy 120Hz refresh rate and supports HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and hybrid log gamma. K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 26 Jan. 2024 Beta Particles In 1899, Ernest Rutherford classified three types of radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma. WIRED, 8 Sep. 2023 Featured artist Swae Lee of the hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, as well as media company gamma. Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2023 The researchers also measured brain oxygen and electrical activity in some patients, and found gamma, delta, theta, alpha and beta waves suggesting some mental function during CPR. Theresa Tamkins, NBC News, 14 Sep. 2023 Usher's ninth studio album is due this fall via mega / gamma. Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 23 Aug. 2023
Adjective
The company expects these programs to lead to full a gamma version and full production runs by the end of 2024. IEEE Spectrum, 31 Jan. 2023 And the worldwide shortage of gamma ferric oxide has brought tape production to a crawl. David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 11 Oct. 2019 In addition to remaining unperturbed by the outside world, this specific subset of cells tended to spike regularly at gamma-range intervals, like a metronome. Diana Kwon, Scientific American, 18 July 2019 This revealed phytanic acid (frequently found in the fat and milk of ruminants), azelaic acid (common in wholegrain cereals) and gamma-terpinene (typically found in herbs like coriander). The Economist, 12 July 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gamma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek gȧmma, borrowed from Phoenician *gaml-, perhaps with the original sense "throwing stick"

Adjective

attributive use of gamma entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gamma was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near gamma

Cite this Entry

“Gamma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gamma. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gamma

noun
gam·​ma
ˈgam-ə
: the third letter of the Greek alphabet
Γ or γ

Medical Definition

gamma

1 of 2 noun
gam·​ma ˈgam-ə How to pronounce gamma (audio)
1
: the third letter of the Greek alphabet
symbol Γ or γ
2
: a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one nanotesla
3
: gamma ray
usually used as the attributive form of gamma ray
gamma counter
4

gamma

2 of 2 adjective
variants or γ-
1
: of or relating to one of three or more closely related chemical substances
the gamma chain of hemoglobin
γ-yohimbine
used somewhat arbitrarily to specify ordinal relationship or a particular physical form and especially one that is allotropic, isomeric, or stereoisomeric (as in gamma benzene hexachloride)
2
: third in position in the structure of an organic molecule from a particular group or atom
also : occurring at or having a structure characterized by such a position
γ-hydroxy acids
3
of streptococci : producing no hemolysis on blood agar plates

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