fission: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “fission” mean?
The action of splitting or dividing a single entity into two or more parts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of splitting or dividing a single entity into two or more parts.
A process in which a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy; also refers to any similar splitting, such as in biology (cell division) or social contexts (a group splitting apart).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Both varieties use the term identically in technical contexts.
Connotations
Identical strong connotations of a powerful, often violent or explosive, split.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in everyday conversation but standard in scientific discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “fission” in a Sentence
[VERB] fission (into)fission of [NOUN][NOUN] undergoes fissionthe fission [that/which] VERBVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fission” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The unstable nucleus will fission spontaneously.
- Scientists can fission atoms in a reactor.
American English
- The cell is ready to fission into two daughter cells.
- They attempted to fission the plutonium sample.
adverb
British English
- The nucleus split fissionably. (Extremely rare)
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The fission process is highly controlled.
- They studied the fission fragments.
American English
- The fission reaction was self-sustaining.
- We need a fissionable material.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The corporate fission created two competing entities.'
Academic
Core term in Physics and Biology. 'The paper examines the cross-section for neutron-induced fission.'
Everyday
Very rare. Most commonly encountered in news about nuclear power or weapons.
Technical
Primary context. Refers precisely to nuclear or cellular splitting processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fission”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fission”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fission”
- Confusing 'fission' with 'fusion'.
- Misspelling as 'fision'.
- Using in informal contexts where 'split' or 'division' is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common in nuclear physics, it is also the correct term for a type of cell division in biology (e.g., binary fission in bacteria).
Yes, though it is less common. In technical writing, you might see 'the atom fissioned' or 'to fission uranium'.
Fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter ones. Fusion is the combining of light nuclei into a heavier one. Both release energy.
No, it is a specialised, low-frequency word primarily used in scientific, academic, or technical discussions about nuclear energy, weapons, or biology.
The action of splitting or dividing a single entity into two or more parts.
Fission is usually formal, scientific in register.
Fission: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be on the brink of fission (metaphorical)”
- “A fission in the ranks”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FISH (sounds like 'fi') being split in two with an ION gun. FISH-ION = FISSION.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENTITY IS A NUCLEUS; DISINTEGRATION IS SPLITTING (e.g., 'The political party underwent fission.').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the direct antonym of 'fission' in nuclear physics?