Wiktionary
n. (context physics English) the sum of the initial kinetic energies of all the charged particles liberated by uncharged ionizing radiation (neutrons and photons) in a sample of matter, divided by the mass of the sample.
Wikipedia
Kerma is an acronym for "kinetic energy released per unit mass", defined as the sum of the initial kinetic energies of all the charged particles liberated by uncharged ionizing radiation (i.e., indirectly ionizing radiation such as photons and neutrons) in a sample of matter, divided by the mass of the sample. It is defined by the quotient K = d E/d m.
The SI unit of kerma is the gray (Gy) (or joule per kilogram), the same as the unit of absorbed dose. However, kerma dose is different from absorbed dose, according to the energies involved, partially because ionization energy is not accounted for. While roughly equal at low energies, absorbed dose is much lower than kerma at higher energies, because some energy escapes from the absorbing volume in the form of bremsstrahlung (X-rays) or fast-moving electrons.
The word "kerma" can also be expanded as "kinetic energy released in material", or "kinetic energy released in matter".
Kerma (also known as Dukki Gel) was the capital city of the Kingdom of Kerma, which was located in present-day Sudan at least 5,500 years ago. Kerma is one of the largest archaeological sites in ancient Nubia. It has produced decades of extensive excavations and research, including thousands of graves and tombs and the residential quarters of the main city surrounding the Western/Lower Deffufa.
Around 3000 BC, a cultural tradition began around Kerma. It was a large urban center that was built around a large mud brick temple, known as the Western Deffufa.
As a capital city and location of royal burials, it sheds light on the complex social structure present in this society.
Kerma may refer to:
- Kerma (ancient city)
- Kerma Basin, a low lying area by the River Nile in Sudan
- Kingdom of Kerma
- Kerma (physics)
Usage examples of "kerma".
They are currently modifying a four-person survival pod I – I mean we – commandeered from one of the Orligian supply ships and are installing Kerma life-support, medical monitoring, and the equipment that will enable the pod to be supplied and serviced by remote-control devices sensitive enough for patient care.
And if they did, we would be returning a being that is capable of destroying Kerma minds over a presently unknown but large radius, perhaps even their entire civilization.
Patient Tunneckis’s condition is rare, perhaps unique, and certainly nothing like it has occurred in recent Kerma history.
He would tell this self-opinionated young upstart Conway and the stupid elephant assisting him that the Kerma slug was expendable and to abort the procedure forthwith.
It says that my glimpse into Tunneckis’s mind will reduce their cultural contact problems as well as giving me the chance to gather information on native Kerma medicine in case another one turns up in Sector General, hopefully with something less disrupting.