'Fission' definitions:
Definition of 'fission'
(from WordNet)
noun
Reproduction of some unicellular organisms by division of the cell into two more or less equal parts
noun
A nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy [syn: fission, nuclear fission]
Definition of 'Fission'
From: GCIDE
- Fission \Fis"sion\, n. [L. fissio. See Fissure.]
- 1. A cleaving, splitting, or breaking up into parts. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Biol.) A method of asexual reproduction among the lowest (unicellular) organisms by means of a process of self-division, consisting of gradual division or cleavage of the into two parts, each of which then becomes a separate and independent organisms; as when a cell in an animal or plant, or its germ, undergoes a spontaneous division, and the parts again subdivide. See Segmentation, and Cell division, under Division. [1913 Webster]
- 3. (Zool.) A process by which certain coral polyps, echinoderms, annelids, etc., spontaneously subdivide, each individual thus forming two or more new ones. See Strobilation. [1913 Webster]
- 4. (Physics) The act or process of disintegration of an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller pieces; called also nuclear fission. The process may be spontaneous or induced by capture of neutrons or other smaller nuclei, and usually proceeds with evolution of energy. [PJC]
Synonyms of 'fission'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- ablate,
- abscission,
- accelerate,
- activate,
- alpha decay,
- amputation,
- atom-chipping,
- atom-smashing,
- atomic disintegration,
- atomic reaction,
- atomization,
- atomize,
- beta decay,
- bifurcate,
- bisect,
- bombard,
- bombardment,
- branch,
- break into pieces,
- break to pieces,
- break up,
- breeding,
- bullet,
- butchering,
- by two,
- catalysis,
- catalyst,
- chain reaction,
- chopping,
- cleavage,
- cleave,
- come apart,
- consume,
- corrode,
- crack up,
- crash,
- cross-bombard,
- crumble,
- crumble into dust,
- crunch,
- crush,
- cut in two,
- cut to pieces,
- cutting,
- decay,
- decompose,
- demolish,
- dialysis,
- dichotomize,
- dichotomy,
- diffuse,
- dimidiate,
- disintegrate,
- disintegration series,
- disjoin,
- disorganize,
- disperse,
- disrupt,
- dissociation,
- dissolve,
- divide,
- enucleation,
- erode,
- exchange reaction,
- excision,
- fall to pieces,
- fission reaction,
- fork,
- fragment,
- gamma decay,
- grind,
- halve,
- hydrolysis,
- hydrolyst,
- in half,
- ionization,
- laceration,
- make mincemeat of,
- mince,
- molder,
- mutilation,
- neutron reaction,
- nonreversible reaction,
- nuclear fission,
- nucleization,
- nucleize,
- photodisintegration,
- photolysis,
- proton gun,
- proton reaction,
- pulverize,
- ramify,
- rending,
- resection,
- reversible reaction,
- ripping,
- scatter,
- scission,
- section,
- severance,
- shatter,
- shiver,
- slashing,
- slicing,
- smash,
- smash the atom,
- smash up,
- splinter,
- split,
- split in two,
- splitting,
- splitting the atom,
- squash,
- squish,
- stimulation,
- subdivide,
- surgery,
- target,
- tearing,
- thermolysis,
- thermonuclear reaction,
- transect,
- waste away,
- wear away