photonuclear

[ foh-toh-noo-klee-er, -nyoo-or, by metathesis, -kyuh-ler ]

adjective

, Physics.

1. of, relating to, or caused by the collision of high-energy photons with the nucleus of an atom.

photonuclear

/ ˌfəʊtəʊˈnjuːklɪə /

adjective

1. physics of or concerned with a nuclear reaction caused by a photon

Pronunciation Note

See nuclear.

Word History and Origins

Origin of photonuclear¹

First recorded in 1940–45; photo- + nuclear

Example Sentences

But it is not clear yet how much of the isotope is produced in this way, says Enoto, in part because it’s possible that not all bolts initiate photonuclear reactions.

From Nature

Together, the three waves of γ-rays point to a photonuclear reaction first proposed2 a decade ago by Leonid Babich, a physicist at the Russian Federal Nuclear Center in Sarov.

From Nature

In particular, the photonuclear reaction does not seem to match an event Dwyer observed in 2009 from a research aeroplane.

From Nature

This combination of circumstances might help to explain why the photonuclear signature has been seen so rarely.

From Nature

Together, the three waves of γ-rays point to a photonuclear reaction first proposed2 a decade ago by Leonid Babich, a physicist at the Russian Federal Nuclear Center in Sarov.

From Nature