nuclear fuel

American  

[noo-klee-er fyoo-uhl, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈfyu əl, ˈnyu- /

noun

1. Physics. fissile or fertile material that undergoes fission in a nuclear reactor.

2. any light element, as hydrogen or helium, that undergoes fusion and gives off energy within the interior of stars.

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nuclear fuel British  

noun

1. a fuel that provides nuclear energy, used in nuclear power stations, nuclear submarines, etc

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Pronunciation

See nuclear ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of nuclear fuel

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The license allows Atomic Alchemy to handle, process, and distribute isotopes, which can be extracted from spent nuclear fuel and applied to diagnosing and treating certain diseases.

From Barron's

When a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel, its core collapses and triggers a dramatic explosion known as a supernova.

From Science Daily

Carney said Canada was well positioned to contribute to energy-hungry India's nuclear fuel needs and added that the two countries were launching a strategic energy partnership.

From BBC

No more domestic enrichment of uranium for nuclear fuel, the president said.

From The Wall Street Journal

That deficit has existed for decades, with utilities drawing on stockpiles of the nuclear fuel to close the gap.

From The Wall Street Journal