nuclear fusion

[noo-klee-er fyoo-zhuhn, nyoo-]

noun

1. fusion.

nuclear fusion

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: fusion. a reaction in which two nuclei combine to form a nucleus with the release of energy Compare nuclear fission See also thermonuclear reaction

fusion, nuclear

1. The combining of two small atomic nuclei to form a larger nucleus, sometimes with the release of energy. (Compare nuclear fission.)

Pronunciation Note

See nuclear ( def. ).

The use of fusion as a controllable energy source on Earth is still in its experimental stages.

The fusion of hydrogen into helium releases huge amounts of energy and is the main energy source of stars, including the sun.

Hydrogen bombs use the energy of fusion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fusion, nuclear¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Throughout its life, a star keeps a stable spherical shape because gravity pulls inward while pressure from nuclear fusion pushes outward.

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In documents released afterwards the areas for investment also included defence, drugs, critical minerals, aerospace and space, cyber security, quantum computing and nuclear fusion.

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In the process of nuclear fusion, the nuclei of small atoms combine to form larger ones.

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While nuclear fusion might solve energy-grid problems in the distant future, it could take decades to play out based on practical and recent history.

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In the longer term, Google is looking toward nuclear fusion as opposed to fission: While the latter is used currently in power plants, the former can provide much more energy in a potentially safer process.

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