nuclear energy

American  

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

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nuclear energy

Canada and Turkey have also identified potential for cooperation in nuclear energy.

From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2026

What specific types of nuclear energy generators are safe enough to use?

From Slate ● Oct. 18, 2026

This resistance to environmental disturbances makes nuclear energy transitions especially promising for ultra-precise timekeeping.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2026

Regardless, investors likely haven’t seen the last big deal, and that’s driven meaningful recent gains for stocks tied to nuclear energy.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 8, 2026

Still, the idea of attempting to release nuclear energy in the middle of a city of three million made Groves very nervous.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

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Related Words

• atomic energy
• nuclear power

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