WordGarden.iofission
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈɪʃən/
US
- /ˈfɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the splitting of an atomic nucleus, often releasing energy
asexual reproduction by splitting into two or more parts
the splitting of something into separate parts or groups
Beyond the definition
Imagine something whole breaking into smaller parts. That is fission. It is best known as the process used in nuclear reactors and atomic weapons, where a heavy atom such as uranium splits and releases a huge amount of energy. But the idea is not limited to atoms. If a political party breaks into rival groups, that can also be described as fission.
The word comes from the Latin fissio, meaning "a splitting." You can see the same root in words like "fissure" (a narrow crack or opening) and "fissile" (able to split). So whenever one thing separates into two or more parts, whether it is an atom, a cell, or a group, you are seeing fission in action.
Fission is the process in which one thing splits into two or more parts, often releasing energy or creating separate new parts. While the term is strongly linked with nuclear physics, the idea also appears in other fields. At its core, fission is about something that was once one becoming divided.
In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus such as uranium-235 is hit by a neutron, becomes unstable, and splits into two smaller nuclei. This process releases more neutrons and a large amount of energy. When it happens in a controlled way, it can generate electricity in power plants. When it happens in an uncontrolled chain reaction, it can produce the destructive force of an atomic bomb.
Fission is also important in other fields. In biology, binary fission is a common way that prokaryotes such as bacteria reproduce: one cell copies its genetic material and then divides into two daughter cells. In sociology or politics, the word can describe a group splitting into smaller, often competing, factions because of conflict or different beliefs.
The key idea is the act of splitting itself. Fission suggests a move from unity to division. Whether you are talking about atoms, cells, or human groups, the word describes a change in which one becomes two or more, sometimes with powerful results.
Examples
- 1
Nuclear power
The plant generates electricity through nuclear fission.
- 2
Reactor safety
Engineers are trained to stop the fission reaction if the reactor overheats.
- Domainfission reaction
the chain of splitting events inside the reactor
- 3
Cell reproduction
Some single-celled organisms reproduce by binary fission.
- Domainbinary fission
a cell divides into two parts
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- fissionnounverb
Forms
- fissioning-ing formverbnoun
- fissionspluralnounverb
- fissionedpast tenseverbnoun