nuclear energy

[noo-klee-er en-er-jee, nyoo-]

noun

1. energy released by reactions within atomic nuclei, as in nuclear fission or fusion.

nuclear energy

noun

1. Also called: atomic energy. energy released during a nuclear reaction as a result of fission or fusion

nuclear energy

1. The energy released by the nucleus of an atom as the result of nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, or radioactive decay. The amount of energy released by the nuclear fission of a given mass of uranium is about 2,500,000 times greater than that released by the combustion of an equal mass of carbon. And the amount of energy released by the nuclear fusion of a given mass of deuterium is about 400 times greater that that released by the nuclear fission of an equal mass of uranium.

2. Also called atomic energy

3. Electricity generated by a nuclear reactor.

nuclear energy

1. Energy obtained from nuclear reactions.

Pronunciation Note

See nuclear ( def. ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuclear energy¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Yet Paris did not share its nuclear energy knowhow with its loyal African supplier.

From BBC

That trade is dominated by US purchases of raw materials for nuclear energy and fertilizers.

From BBC

Matsui said that the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, was "on the brink of dysfunctionality".

From BBC

In the wake of the Fukushima disaster, Japan initially started moving away from nuclear energy - but the government has slowly started to reverse this policy.

From BBC

The government's National Wealth Fund - its principal investor and policy bank - will be making its first investment in nuclear energy.

From BBC

Related Words

• atomic energy 
• nuclear power