nuclear reaction

British  

noun

1. a process in which the structure and energy content of an atomic nucleus are changed by interaction with another nucleus or particle

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nuclear reaction Scientific  

1. A process, such as fission, fusion, or radioactive decay, in which the structure of an atomic nucleus is altered through release of energy or mass or by being broken apart.

2. See more at fission fusion

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nuclear reaction Cultural  

1. A reaction that changes the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. There are several kinds of nuclear reactions, including the fragmentation of large nuclei into smaller ones (nuclear fission), the building up of small nuclei into larger ones (nuclear fusion), and changes begun by collisions with elementary particles or other nuclei (as in particle accelerators).

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Example Sentences

The team used the transition near the mass gap to study an important nuclear reaction linked to helium burning in stellar cores.

From Science Daily • May 8, 2026

"Other tests, both subcritical, or those without a chain nuclear reaction, and carrier tests, have never been prohibited," Lavrov added.

From Barron's • Nov. 11, 2025

Atoms split naturally, but in 1919, Rutherford oversaw the first artificially-induced nuclear reaction in human history at the Victoria University of Manchester's laboratories.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2025

The Mallinckrodt plant processed the uranium that allowed scientists at the University of Chicago to produce the first man-made controlled nuclear reaction, paving the way for the first atomic bomb.

From New York Times • Apr. 6, 2024

Mark closed his eyes, tried to tamp down the rage that was building inside him like a nuclear reaction.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner