nucleosynthesis

noun

nu·​cle·​o·​syn·​the·​sis ˌnü-klē-ō-ˈsin(t)-thə-səs 

ˌnyü-

: the production of a chemical element from simpler nuclei (as of hydrogen) especially in a star

nucleosynthetic

ˌnü-klē-ō-sin-ˈthe-tik 

ˌnyü-

adjective

Examples of nucleosynthesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These occur when stars much more massive than the sun reach the end of nucleosynthesis in their cores. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 July 2026

The measured abundances of the light elements throughout the Universe verified the predictions of Big Bang nucleosynthesis, while also demonstrating the need for fusion in stars to provide the heavy elements in our cosmos. — Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025

And among old galactic halo stars, the Lithium-7 underabundance is a factor of two to three below big bang nucleosynthesis predictions. — Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Presolar grains like the one in the picture help researchers understand nucleosynthesis in stars, mixing of different zones in stars and stellar ejecta, and how abundances of elements and their isotopes change with time in the galaxy. — Sachiko Amari, Discover Magazine, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nucleosynthesis

• biosynthesis
• photosynthesis
• synthesis
• synthesise