gamma
English meaning: Gamma
Definition
The third letter of the Greek alphabet (Γ, γ), preceded by beta (Β, β) and followed by delta, (Δ, δ).
Example
“Gamma rays are among the most energetic forms of radiation.”
Another example: “Adjusting the gamma on the monitor made the dark scenes easier to see.”
Usage — When, Where & How
The third letter of the Greek alphabet, used widely as a symbol in science and maths (gamma rays, gamma function), photography ('gamma correction') and finance. Technical register; also in compounds like 'gamma globulin'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Greek 'gamma', the name of the letter, derived from Phoenician 'gimel'.
Related Words
- globulin
- rho
- rays
- sorority
- omicron
- epsilon
- iota
- phi
- sigma
- mev
Common Collocations
- gamma ray
- gamma radiation
- gamma correction
- gamma function
- gamma globulin
Word Forms
gamma (n); gammas
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B