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

Researchers, working on nuclear fusion, are fusing tritium and deuterium together to maximize the amount of energy created in one small area.

From Los Angeles Times

Nuclear fusion is a slowly but very surely developing method of making clean energy.

From Los Angeles Times

It is insane how quickly technology can pick up, so with that I say that an investment in nuclear fusion is an investment well spent on a better future.

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