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

The approach, aimed to stabilize high-energy, Ni-rich cathodes, was developed by scientists from the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, run by California’s Stanford University, and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025

At this exclusive, high-energy event, the world’s most innovative leaders will convene to explore how AI, humanity, and strategy converge to redefine, again, the future of work. —Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Dec. 2025

Beginning life as Integral Powertrain Ltd, Helix makes high-energy density radial-flux electric motors that can crank up to 950 kW in the fifth-generation version. —New Atlas, 14 Dec. 2025

However, the Fermi Space Telescope has in the past detected puzzling high-energy gamma-ray emissions from a host of nova eruptions, which implies there's more going on than meets the eye. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 Dec. 2025

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