English > nuclear reaction: 1 sense > noun 1, process| Meaning | (physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei. |
|---|
| Category | physics, natural philosophy | The science of matter and energy and their interactions |
|---|
| Narrower | chain reaction | A self-sustaining nuclear reaction |
|---|
| decay, radioactive decay, disintegration | The spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation |
| endoergic reaction | A nuclear reaction occurring with absorption of energy |
| exoergic reaction | A nuclear reaction accompanied by the evolution of energy |
| fission, nuclear fission | A nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy |
| fusion, nuclear fusion, nuclear fusion reaction | A nuclear reaction in which nuclei combine to form more massive nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy |
| spallation | (physics) a nuclear reaction in which a bombarded nucleus breaks up into many particles |
| Broader | natural process, natural action, action, activity | A process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings) |
|---|
| Spanish | reacción nuclear |
|---|
| Catalan | reacció nuclear |
|---|
