photofission

[foh-tuh-fish-uh n, foh-tuh-fish-] /ˌfoʊ təˈfɪʃ ən, ˈfoʊ təˌfɪʃ-/

noun, Physics.

nuclear fission induced by the absorption of a high-energy photon.

Origin of photofission

1935-1940

1935-40; photo- + fission

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2016.
Cite This Source

What Is the Difference Between Discreet and Discrete?
Learn the correct uses of these two commonly confused homophones.
What Character Was Removed from the Alphabet?
What mistaken pronunciation gave this character its name?
Apostrophes 101
This small mark has two primary uses: to signify possession or omitted letters.
How Do I Get a Word into the Dictionary?
People invent new words all the time, but which ones actually make it?

Few English speakers likely know this word

Scrabble Words With Friends