nuclear fission; split; break apart
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesverb
to undergo nuclear fission
technicalA core concept in nuclear physics. The process releases energy used in nuclear reactors and weapons. The subject is typically a heavy atomic nucleus.
A uranium-235 nucleus undergoes fission after absorbing a neutron.
Nuclear power plants use controlled fission reactions to generate electricity.
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The energy released during fission is enormous.
verb
to split; to break apart; to fragment
formalA metaphorical extension of the nuclear physics term, used to describe the division or disintegration of abstract entities like families, ideologies, or organizations.
That war caused many families to split apart, with loved ones separated.
Dramatic social changes are often accompanied by the fragmentation of traditional thought.
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A serious split has appeared within this political party.
The market landscape is fragmenting under the impact of new technologies.