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
Examples of nucleosynthesis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This process where stars form heavier elements by nuclear fusion is called stellar nucleosynthesis.
—
ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 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
These supernova explosions generate reactions that fuse new atomic nuclei, a process called nucleosynthesis, of heavier elements.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 July 2024
Our earth contains a plethora of iron and rare earth metals that were created through stellar nucleosynthesis during billions of years of supernovae enrichment.
—Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
Helium Helium’s origins go back to just a few minutes after the big bang, when hydrogen, helium and a bit of lithium were produced during what is called big bang nucleosynthesis.
—Sanjana Curtis, Scientific American, 4 July 2023
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ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 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
These supernova explosions generate reactions that fuse new atomic nuclei, a process called nucleosynthesis, of heavier elements.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 July 2024
Our earth contains a plethora of iron and rare earth metals that were created through stellar nucleosynthesis during billions of years of supernovae enrichment.
—Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
Helium Helium’s origins go back to just a few minutes after the big bang, when hydrogen, helium and a bit of lithium were produced during what is called big bang nucleosynthesis.
—Sanjana Curtis, Scientific American, 4 July 2023
Cite this Entry
“Nucleosynthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleosynthesis. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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