FISSION


Meaning of FISSION in English

n. & v.

--n.

1. Physics the spontaneous or impact-induced splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus, accompanied by a release of energy.

2 Biol. the division of a cell etc. into new cells etc. as a mode of reproduction.

--v.intr. & tr. undergo or cause to undergo fission.

Phrases and idioms:

fission bomb an atomic bomb.

Derivatives:

fissionable adj.

Etymology: L fissio (as FISSURE)

Oxford English vocab.      Оксфордский английский словарь.