cold fusion

American  

noun

1. a hypothetical form of nuclear fusion postulated to occur at relatively low temperatures and pressures, as at room temperature and at one atmosphere.

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cold fusion Cultural  

1. The fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium at room temperature. In 1989 two scientists announced that they had produced cold fusion in their laboratory, an achievement that — if true — would have meant a virtually unlimited cheap energy supply for humanity. When other scientists were unable to reproduce their results, the scientific community concluded that the original experiment had been flawed.

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Etymology

Origin of cold fusion

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Justin, a one-time shining star at M.I.T., ran into a career-halting obstacle when her attempts at cold fusion failed.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2022

Yet it’s hard to sketch out a scenario in which the financial system is brought to its knees by a switch to cold fusion.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2022

He also supported and conducted research on cold fusion.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2022

The hydrogen plane is the industry’s recurrent dream, its equivalent of cold fusion or the driverless car.

From The Guardian • Sep. 29, 2020

While basking in the warmth of the summer sun, a student reads of the latest breakthrough in achieving sustained thermonuclear power and vaguely recalls hearing about the cold fusion controversy.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015