solar flare

noun

: a sudden temporary outburst of energy from a small area of the sun's surface

called also flare

Examples of solar flare in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unusually, these solar flares didn't come from sunspots — dark patches on the sun's surface indicating intense magnetic activity— but magnetic filaments detaching from the sun. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 The sun has once again unleashed a powerful solar flare, continuing its streak of intense activity. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025 Stars, including our sun, regularly emit solar flares, or strong bursts of electromagnetic radiation. Gayoung Lee, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024 The sun has somewhat surprised forecasters today with a dramatic X-class solar flare from a newly emerging sunspot region. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solar flare

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of solar flare was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Solar flare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar%20flare. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

solar flare

noun
: a sudden temporary outburst of energy from a small area of the sun's surface

More from Merriam-Webster on solar flare

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