high-energy

adjective

high-en·​er·​gy ˈhī-ˈe-nər-jē How to pronounce high-energy (audio)
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
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The system is a high-energy laser weapon system that can intercept specific projectiles. Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2025 It was born with the same temperature everywhere, it was born spatially flat, and it was born in such a way that those non-existent high-energy relics were forbidden. Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025 Since these are not high-energy lasers, these defenses may require no more than switching off instruments or turning them away from the threat. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025 This radiation can take the form of tiny particles moving rapidly or high-energy electromagnetic waves emerging from the nucleus. Kelling Donald, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for high-energy

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of high-energy was in 1934

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Cite this Entry

“High-energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high-energy. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

high-energy

adjective
: yielding a relatively large amount of energy when undergoing hydrolysis
high-energy phosphate bonds in ATP
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