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binding energy

noun

Definition of binding energy

: the energy required to break up a molecule, atom, or atomic nucleus completely into its constituent particles

Examples of binding energy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 That suggests each pentaquark is just a baryon bound to a meson, with a tiny bit of mass taken up in binding energy. — Adrian Cho, Science | AAAS, "Exotic particles called pentaquarks may be less weird than previously thought," 5 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'binding energy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of binding energy

1907, in the meaning defined above

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Last Updated

19 Jun 2019

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Time Traveler for binding energy

The first known use of binding energy was in 1907

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More from Merriam-Webster on binding energy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about binding energy

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