fission
Translation
fission, splitting, division
Examples
Nuclear fission releases a huge amount of energy.
Nuclear fission releases a huge amount of energy.
Cell fission is a form of reproduction.
Cell fission is a form of reproduction.
Grammar Patterns
((nuclear/cell)) fission the act of splitting sth. into two parts Nuclear fission releases a huge amount of energy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: splitting, division, cleavage; Antonyms: fusion
Etymology
From Latin 'fissio' meaning 'a splitting', from the verb 'findere' meaning 'to split'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'fissure' (a long, narrow crack). Fission is the process of creating such a split, especially in atoms or cells. It's the opposite of 'fusion'.