Nucleosynthesis
/ˌnjuː.kli.oʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/noun
The process by which new atomic nuclei are formed, especially in stars or during the early universe.
Did you know?The second half comes from Greek synthesis, the same root behind words like thesis and prosthesis—so even the language of cosmic creation is built from the idea of “putting together.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
núkleos
“kernel or central part”
Ancient Greek
Greek
sýnthesis
“a putting together, composition”
19th Century
English
nucleus + synthesis
“a coined scientific term for building atomic nuclei”
20th Century
English
nucleosynthesis
“formation of atomic nuclei in stars, the early universe, or other nuclear processes”
Explore more surprising origins