mass defect

noun

, Physics.

1. the amount by which the mass of an atomic nucleus differs from the sum of the masses of its constituent particles, being the mass equivalent of the energy released in the formation of the nucleus.

mass defect

noun

1. See binding energy
   physics the amount by which the mass of a particular nucleus is less than the total mass of its constituent particles See also binding energy

Word History and Origins

Origin of mass defect¹

First recorded in 1925–30