photodisintegration

[ foh-toh-di-sin-ti-grey-shuhn ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the disintegration of a nucleus, induced by its absorption of a photon.

photodisintegration

/ ˌfəʊtəʊdɪˌsɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən /

noun

1. disintegration of an atomic nucleus as a result of its absorption of a photon, usually a gamma ray

Word History and Origins

Origin of photodisintegration¹

First recorded in 1930–35; photo- + disintegration