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 The scanners used high-energy X-rays to look past the organism’s scales, fur, or skin to view the dense bone structure beneath. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2024 Itinerary: Dillon especially recommends the seven-night Greek Island Aglow itinerary for travelers seeking a high-energy, adults-only option. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024 Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to eliminate cancer cells, while surgery involves removing the tumor and the surrounding tissue. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Suddenly, the soft piano and guitar tune shifted as Caufield and her dad kicked off their high-energy performance. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 This will include a variety of games, including the newest interactive and high-energy games along with some nostalgic games. Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 At this point, a single atom of oxygen could mingle with two hydrogen atoms to form a molecule of water—a molecule that could, in a cosmic cycle of creation and destruction, still be sundered anew by high-energy radiation from stars and other astrophysical sources. Shannon Hall, Scientific American, 23 Feb. 2024 The Dubs were cohesive, high-energy, and whip-smart for a full 48-minute campaign. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 Usher stepped out in front of the biggest audience of his life during halftime at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, winning widespread acclaim for his high-energy performance. Rachel Pannett, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'high-energy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near high-energy

Cite this Entry

“High-energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high-energy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

high-energy

adjective
: yielding a relatively large amount of energy when undergoing hydrolysis
high-energy phosphate bonds in ATP
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!