1. capable of being split or divided along natural lines of cleavage
Usage: geology
2. capable of undergoing nuclear fission, especially when bombarded by neutrons
Usage: nuclear physics

Examples

• Slate is a fissile rock that splits easily into thin layers.
• Shale is highly fissile and breaks along its bedding planes.
• Uranium-235 is a fissile isotope used in nuclear reactors.
• The fissile material was carefully stored in the laboratory.
• Coal often occurs in fissile layers that can be easily separated.
• Scientists studied the fissile properties of the new isotope.
• The geologist identified the fissile limestone by its splitting pattern.