adjective
- not capable of undergoing nuclear fission; not able to be split to release nuclear energy
Usage: technical; nuclear physics
Examples
- Uranium-238 is nonfissionable and does not sustain a chain reaction.
- The reactor uses enriched uranium because natural uranium contains mostly nonfissionable isotopes.
- Scientists must separate fissionable material from nonfissionable material in the fuel cycle.
- Lead and other nonfissionable elements are used as shielding in nuclear facilities.
- The nonfissionable waste from the reactor requires careful storage and disposal.