fission
Fission (noun) means the splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller pieces, releasing large amounts of energy. Example: “Nuclear power plants generate electricity through controlled fission.”
How to use fission
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSplitting one thing into two, especially an atom's nucleus (releasing energy) or a cell (reproducing).
Don't confuse with fusion, which is the opposite process — combining nuclei rather than splitting them.
Word forms
fissioned past tense, fissions plural, fissions singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Nuclear power plants generate electricity through controlled _____.
Etymology
From Latin fissio, "the act of splitting," from findere, "to split" — the same root behind "fissure."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for fission
Frequently asked questions
What does “fission” mean?
The word “fission” means the splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller pieces, releasing large amounts of energy. In plain terms, splitting one thing into two, especially an atom's nucleus (releasing energy) or a cell (reproducing).
How do you pronounce “fission”?
“Fission” is pronounced FIH-shuhn (/ˈfɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “fission” in a sentence?
Here is “fission” used in a sentence: “Nuclear power plants generate electricity through controlled fission.”
What part of speech is “fission”?
“Fission” is a noun.
Where does the word “fission” come from?
The word “fission” comes from Latin. From Latin fissio, "the act of splitting," from findere, "to split" — the same root behind "fissure.".
Is “fission” a common word?
“Fission” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “fission” have?
“Fission” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller pieces, releasing large amounts of energy.