Fission
/ˈfɪʃ.ən/noun
The process of splitting a nucleus into smaller parts, often producing energy.
Did you know?The term 'fission' was first used in the context of nuclear science, but its roots in splitting also echo ancient alchemical practices of separation and transformation.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
fissio
“the act of splitting or cleaving.”
Old French
Old French
fissiun
“a division or separation.”
Early Modern English
English
fission
“the action of splitting, particularly in scientific contexts.”
20th Century
English
fission
“specifically referring to nuclear fission as a process of splitting atomic nuclei.”