nuclear fission

[noo-klee-er fish-uhn]

noun

1. fission.

nuclear fission

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: fission. the splitting of an atomic nucleus into approximately equal parts, either spontaneously or as a result of the impact of a particle usually with an associated release of energy Compare nuclear fusion

fission, nuclear

1. A nuclear reaction in which a single large nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei. In some cases, for example with uranium, energy is released in this process.

Pronunciation Note

See nuclear ( def. ).

The fission of uranium 235, an isotope of uranium, supplies energy for nuclear reactors and atomic bombs (see also atomic bomb).

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuclear fission¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

And rather than burn it to release energy, they use nuclear fission, a process that unlocks the energy stored inside a tiny, tiny package: the nucleus of an atom.

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As part of its energy surge, China has pushed rapid investment into the only technology that currently can decarbonize the planet at scale: nuclear fission and fusion.

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It is produced by nuclear fission for use in medical gauges and devices, but can also be a byproduct of nuclear reactors and weapons testing, the agency said.

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Like all nuclear fission plants, they are controversial.

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It will contain radioactive uranium split by nuclear fission, in a chain reaction which generates a lot of heat.

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