nuclear fusion

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

noun

1. fusion ( def 4 ).

nuclear fusion

noun

1. a reaction in which two nuclei combine to form a nucleus with the release of energy Sometimes shortened tofusion 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 ).

Notes

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 nuclear fusion¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

That is when I read about the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s great success on nuclear fusion.

From Los Angeles Times

Among the experiments was an effort to see if nuclear fusion, the reaction which powers the sun, could be sparked on earth in a controlled setting.

From BBC

As the white dwarf takes stellar material from the red giant, a flash of nuclear fusion is ignited, launching a nova outburst, according to the outlet.

From Los Angeles Times

HP Tau is known as a T Tauri star, a type of young variable star that hasn't begun nuclear fusion yet but is beginning to evolve into a hydrogen-fueled star similar to our Sun.

From Science Daily

"You could use nuclear fusion, as long as you can create that intense heat."

From Salon