Fission

[fish-uh n] /ˈfɪʃ ən/

noun
1.
the act of cleaving or splitting into parts.
2.
Also called nuclear fission. Physics. the splitting of the nucleus of an atom into nuclei of lighter atoms, accompanied by the release of energy.
Compare (def 4).
3.
Biology. the division of an organism into new organisms as a process of reproduction.
verb (used without object)
4.
Physics. to undergo fission.
verb (used with object)
5.
Physics. to cause to undergo fission.
/ˈfɪʃən/
noun
1.
the act or process of splitting or breaking into parts
2.
(biology) a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled animals and plants involving a division into two or more equal parts that develop into new cells
3.
short for nuclear fission
n.

1841, “division of a cell or organism,” from Latin fissionem (nominative fissio) “a breaking up, cleaving,” from past participle stem of findere “to split” (see fissure). Cognate with Old English bitan “to bite.” Nuclear physics sense is 1939. As a verb, from 1929.

fission fis·sion (fĭsh’ən)
n.

fission
(fĭsh’ən)