fission

fis·sion

noun \ˈfish-ən also ˈfizh-\

Definition of FISSION

1

: a method of reproduction in which a living cell or body divides into two or more parts each of which grows into a whole new individual

2

a : cleavage 2 b : the splitting of an atomic nucleus resulting in the release of large amounts of energy—called also nuclear fission

—fis·sion verb, fis·sioned fis·sion·ing \ˈfish-(ə-)niŋ also ˈfizh-\

—fis·sion·al \ˈfish-ən-^əl also ˈfizh-\ adjective