fusion energy

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

Energy released when two light atomic nuclei (typically isotopes of hydrogen — deuterium and tritium) are forced together under extreme temperature and pressure to form a heavier nucleus, releasing enormous energy; the process that powers the sun and is being pursued as a clean, nearly limitless energy source

History and origin

Latin fusio (pouring, melting); nuclear fusion coined in analogy with fission; the sun's fusion was identified by Hans Bethe in 1939

Examples

• Fusion energy releases about four times more energy per kilogram of fuel than fission.
• The ITER project in France aims to demonstrate net-positive fusion energy by the 2030s.

Synonyms: thermonuclear energy, nuclear fusion power