high-energy

adjective

high-en·​er·​gy ˈhī-ˈe-nər-jē 

1

a

: having such speed and kinetic energy as to exhibit relativistic departure from classical laws of motion

—used especially of elementary particles whose velocity has been imparted by an accelerator

b

: of or relating to high-energy particles

2

: yielding a relatively large amount of energy when undergoing hydrolysis

Examples of high-energy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Danagoulian, an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, believes the answer lies in detecting the interaction between uranium atoms and high-energy cosmic-ray particles. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 8 July 2026

The work taps into a violent cosmic interaction known as spallation, which occurs when high-energy protons strike radioactive materials. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026

Growing evidence suggests visible light, particularly high-energy visible (blue) light from sunlight, can worsen pigmentation in people prone to melasma and in those with darker skin tones. — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 July 2026

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX reimagines the six wives of King Henry VIII as pop stars who take turns telling their stories through a high-energy concert-style musical. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for high-energy

• bioenergy
• energy

Medical Definition

high-energy

adjective

: yielding a relatively large amount of energy when undergoing hydrolysis

high-energy phosphate bonds in ATP