fissile

[ fis-uhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being split or divided; cleavable.
2. Physics.
   1. fissionable.
   2. (of a nuclide) capable of undergoing fission induced by low-energy neutrons, as uranium 233 and 235.

fissile

/ ˈfɪsaɪl; fɪˈsɪlɪtɪ /

adjective

1. capable of undergoing nuclear fission as a result of the impact of slow neutrons
2. another word for fissionable
3. tending to split or capable of being split

Derived Forms

• fissility, noun

Other Words From

• fis·sili·ty noun
• non·fissile adjective
• nonfis·sili·ty noun
• un·fissile adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fissile¹

1655–65; < Latin fissilis, equivalent to fiss ( us ) ( fissi- ) + -ilis -ile

Word History and Origins

Origin of fissile¹

C17: from Latin fissilis , from fissus split; see fissi-

Example Sentences

It is unclear when Mr Kim made the visit and if the site is at the North's sprawling Yongbyon nuclear complex, which produces fissile material for Pyongyang's nuclear weapons.

From BBC

Washington, however, is preparing to conduct next year at the Nevada Test Site two so-called subcritical experiments involving fissile materials in amounts too small to ignite a nuclear explosion.

From Reuters

President Joe Biden’s failure to revive it, Iran could make the fissile material for one bomb in 12 days or so, according to U.S. estimates, down from a year when the accord was in force.

From Reuters

“I don’t think they are short of fissile materials,” said Mr. Lankov.

From Washington Times

However, Iran is also pursuing “research and development activities that would bring it closer to producing the fissile material needed for completing a nuclear device following a decision to do so,” the report said.

From Seattle Times