nuclear fusion

[noo-klee-er fyoo-zhuhn, nyoo-]

noun

1. fusion.

nuclear fusion

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: fusion. a reaction in which two nuclei combine to form a nucleus with the release of energy Compare nuclear fission See also thermonuclear reaction

fusion, nuclear

1. The combining of two small atomic nuclei to form a larger nucleus, sometimes with the release of energy. (Compare nuclear fission.)

Pronunciation Note

See nuclear ( def. ).

The use of fusion as a controllable energy source on Earth is still in its experimental stages.

The fusion of hydrogen into helium releases huge amounts of energy and is the main energy source of stars, including the sun.

Hydrogen bombs use the energy of fusion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fusion, nuclear¹

First recorded in 1895–1900