branching

British  

/ ˈbrɑːntʃɪŋ /

noun

1. physics the occurrence of several decay paths ( branches ) in the disintegration of a particular nuclide or the de-excitation of an excited atom. The branching fraction (nuclear) or branching ratio (atomic) is the proportion of the disintegrating nuclei that follow a particular branch to the total number of disintegrating nuclides

---

Example Sentences

Wags are calling it the “lobstermander” because the new House District 7 extends like a crustacean with the tail in heavily Democratic northern Virginia to the body stretching downstate and branching into two claws.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Nerve cells engineered to produce high amounts of FTL1 developed simplified structures, forming short, single extensions instead of the complex, branching networks seen in healthy cells.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

The humble filled egg is just one of many Easter staples on the shelves that seem to be branching out into all sorts of flavours.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Pike followed the main line — called the trunk line — which had hoses branching off in other directions.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

“Once we get him branching, it won’t be long before he’s ready to fly,” Dr. Martin says.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers

Related Words

• complication
• consequence
• upshot