adjective
fissile
Capable of sustaining a nuclear fission chain reaction.
The reactor uses fissile fuel to sustain a chain reaction.
Etymology
The Latin root means to split. Nuclear physics specializes that split to atomic nuclei, with fissile identifying material able to support a continuing fission reaction.
More examples
- Uranium-235 is a fissile isotope.
- Inspectors track shipments of fissile material.
- The laboratory stores fissile samples under strict safety controls.
Forms
fission noun — The splitting of an atomic nucleus.
Similar words
- fissionable
- Broader term that includes isotopes requiring fast neutrons to split.