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

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 • Mar. 2, 2026

“I see a strong market demand for recycling as a key missing piece of the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle that has deteriorated over the years,” said Curio chief executive Ed McGinnis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

In stars at least 10 times more massive than our sun, this balance eventually breaks down when nuclear fuel runs low.

From Science Daily • Feb. 14, 2026

Oklo said it would use the funds procured under the agreement to secure nuclear fuel and advance Phase 1 of the project, with plans to scale up to 1.2 gigawatts in the future.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

The number of black holes, however, is almost certainly very much higher; in the long history of the universe, many stars must have burned all their nuclear fuel and have had to collapse.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking