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Glite Dictionary
nonfissionable

nonfissionable

9.9
Not able to split atoms to start a chain reaction
  • adjective
  • /nɒnˈfɪʃənəbl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : no fisible
  • Because it is nonfissionable, this isotope cannot sustain a nuclear chain reaction.

Examples

  • Uranium-238 is considered nonfissionable under normal circumstances.

  • The reactor was designed to separate fissionable and nonfissionable material.

  • This material is nonfissionable.

  • Uranium-238 is considered nonfissionable in most reactors.

  • Because it is nonfissionable, this isotope cannot sustain a nuclear chain reaction.

  • The reactor was designed to separate fissionable and nonfissionable material.

  • Uranium-238 is considered nonfissionable under normal circumstances.

Synonyms

nonfissile
vsnonfissionable
  • Specialized
8.6

Not able to keep a nuclear chain reaction going by splitting atoms

is unable to undergo nuclear fission at all

Antonyms

fissionable
  • Specialized
4 9.5

Can split its atoms and release energy when hit by a neutron

How Fissionable

fissionable
  • Specialized
4 9.5
nonfissionable
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

nonfissionable positive

Morphology

nonfissionable = fissionable (transparent) = non + fission + able

The adjective is formed by negating the recognisable technical adjective 'fissionable' with the productive prefix 'non-'; meaning follows directly.

Etymology

Nonfissionable is made of non- meaning 'not', fission meaning 'to split', and -able meaning 'can be'. So nonfissionable means 'not able to be split', which is why this kind of material cannot keep a nuclear chain reaction going.