nuclear fission
US /ˈnuːkliər ˈfɪʃən/
UK /ˈnuːkliər ˈfɪʃən/
1.
a nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits spontaneously or on impact with another particle, with the release of energy.
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The power plant uses nuclear fission to generate electricity.
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Scientists are studying the controlled release of energy from nuclear fission.