gamma
- n the 3rd letter of the Greek alphabet
- n a unit of magnetic field strength equal to one-hundred-thousandth of an oersted
- n Portuguese navigator who led an expedition around the Cape of Good Hope in 1497; he sighted and named Natal on Christmas Day before crossing the Indian Ocean (1469-1524)
gamma-interferon
- n a form of interferon that is produced by T cells and macrophages; involved in the activation of phagocytes
gamma aminobutyric acid
- n an amino acid that is found in the central nervous system; acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter
gamma globulin
- n a plasma protein containing the immunoglobulins that are responsible for immune responses
gamma hydroxybutyrate
- n a club drug available in liquid or powder form is taken orally (frequently combined with alcohol); used to incapacitate individuals for the commission of sexual assault and rape
gamma iron
- n a nonmagnetic allotrope of iron that is the basis of austenite; stable between 906 and 1403 degrees centigrade
gamma radiation
- n electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay and having an extremely short wavelength
gamma ray
- n electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay and having an extremely short wavelength
gammon
- n meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)
- n hind portion of a side of bacon
gammopathy
- n a disturbance in the synthesis of immunoglobulins; proteins having antibody activity increase greatly in the blood
gamow
- n United States physicist (born in Russia) who was a proponent of the big-bang theory and who did research in radioactivity and suggested the triplet code for DNA (1904-1968)