nuclear energy

American  

[noo-klee-er en-er-jee, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈɛn ər dʒi, ˈnyu- /

noun

1. energy released by reactions within atomic nuclei, as in nuclear fission or fusion.

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nuclear energy British  

noun

1. Also called: atomic energy.  energy released during a nuclear reaction as a result of fission or fusion

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nuclear energy Scientific  

1. The energy released by the nucleus of an atom as the result of nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, or radioactive decay. The amount of energy released by the nuclear fission of a given mass of uranium is about 2,500,000 times greater than that released by the combustion of an equal mass of carbon. And the amount of energy released by the nuclear fusion of a given mass of deuterium is about 400 times greater that that released by the nuclear fission of an equal mass of uranium.

2. Also called atomic energy

3. Electricity generated by a nuclear reactor.

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nuclear energy Cultural  

1. Energy obtained from nuclear reactions.

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Pronunciation

See nuclear ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of nuclear energy

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

"At the same time, we will also advance our cooperation in areas such as civil nuclear energy and space."

From Barron's

The largest nuclear energy provider in the U.S. posted adjusted earnings and revenue that topped analysts’ expectations but held off on providing 2026 guidance, saying it would share its outlook late next month.

From Barron's

The largest nuclear energy provider in the U.S. posted adjusted earnings and revenue that topped analysts’ expectations but held off on providing 2026 guidance, saying it would share its outlook late next month.

From Barron's

With the two largest economies driving nuclear energy demand, more uranium needs to be mined, converted and enriched, analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal

Oil prices had fallen Tuesday after U.S. and Iranian officials met in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the Islamic Republic’s nuclear energy program.

From Barron's

Related Words

• atomic energy
• nuclear power