Main Entry: ¹fis·sion

Pronunciation: \ˈfi-sh^ən, -zh^ən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin fission-, fissio, from findere to split — more at bite

Date: circa 1617

1 : a splitting or breaking up into parts
2 : reproduction by spontaneous division of the body into two or more parts each of which grows into a complete organism
3 : the splitting of an atomic nucleus resulting in the release of large amounts of energy

— fis·sion·al \-shə-nəl, -zhə-\ adjective