gamma
gamma — noun
1. the name and written symbol (Γ, γ) of the third character in the Greek writing s
the name and written symbol (Γ, γ) of the third character in the Greek writing system, used widely in mathematics and science to represent angles, constants, and other values
In her Greek language class, Mei learned that the letter gamma comes third, right after alpha and beta.
third letter in Greek alphabet sequence
During the physics exam, Priya used a small gamma to label the second angle.
The alphabet chart on page five of Theo's Greek textbook shows alpha, beta, and gamma as the first three letters.
Before his Greek test, Kofi practiced writing the uppercase gamma and the lowercase gamma on his notebook.
文法句型
the letter gamma
gamma as a symbol
2. a powerful form of energy that travels through space as invisible waves, given o
a powerful form of energy that travels through space as invisible waves, given off by radioactive materials, nuclear reactions, and certain events in space; used in medicine to treat cancer and in factories to kill harmful germs
The hospital uses gamma rays to shrink tumours without cutting open the body.
gamma rays in medical treatment
Thick lead walls are needed to block gamma radiation from escaping the lab.
gamma radiation requires lead shielding
Astronomers detected a powerful burst of gamma rays from a distant galaxy.
Some food factories use gamma rays to kill harmful bacteria without heat.
- gamma ray
the countable, photon-focused form of the same concept — 'gamma rays' are individual rays, while 'gamma radiation' is the overall emission
- gamma radiation
the uncountable form emphasising the continuous emission rather than individual photons
文法句型
gamma rays
gamma radiation
用法筆記
The countable form 'gamma ray' refers to individual photons of this radiation; the uncountable 'gamma radiation' describes the emission as a whole. Distinguished from sense 1 by scientific context — this sense never refers to the letter symbol itself.
常見錯誤
gamma — adjective
1. referring to the third member in a series of at least three chemically similar s
referring to the third member in a series of at least three chemically similar substances, following the alpha and beta labels
Dr. Okafor showed the class that the gamma form of insulin has a different shape from the alpha form.
gamma form compared to alpha form
For her PhD project, Hana studied how the gamma variant of the enzyme lipase breaks down fat molecules.
In the biochemistry lab, Yusuf and his team compared the gamma and beta forms of haemoglobin.
Blood tests measure gamma globulin levels to check immune system health.
文法句型
gamma form
gamma variant
gamma type
用法筆記
Only used attributively (before a noun) in scientific writing. The alpha, beta, gamma naming convention is common in biochemistry and materials science. The gamma variant is usually the third discovered or third most stable form.
2. describing the third position along a chain of atoms in an organic molecule, cou
describing the third position along a chain of atoms in an organic molecule, counting from a starting point; used in chemistry to name specific locations on carbon chains
In linoleic acid, the first double bond is located at the gamma carbon of the chain.
gamma carbon position in molecular chain
Leila attached a hydroxyl group to the gamma carbon of valeric acid in the lab.
gamma carbon position on a specific molecule
During the organic chemistry lab, Ravi identified the gamma carbon in butyric acid.
Dr. Vesna explained that gamma-aminobutyric acid helps calm nerve signals in the human brain.
文法句型
gamma position
gamma carbon
gamma atom
用法筆記
Exclusively used in organic chemistry. The naming follows this pattern: the reference group or atom is the alpha position, the next is beta, and the third is gamma. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense refers to bond distance along a chain, not to a chemical variant.