spallation

noun

spall·​ation spȯ-ˈlā-shən 

1

: a nuclear reaction in which light particles are ejected as the result of bombardment (as by high-energy protons)

2

: the process of spalling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Are there a sufficient number of meteorites slamming into planets to launch life-seeding rocks through space (a.k.a. cause spallation)? —Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1