fissile

[fis-uh l] /ˈfɪs əl/

adjective

capable of being split or divided; cleavable.

Physics.

fissionable.
(of a nuclide) capable of undergoing fission induced by low-energy neutrons, as uranium 233 and 235.

Origin

1655-65; < Latin fissilis, equivalent to fiss(us) (see fissi-) + -ilis -ile

Related forms

fissility, noun

nonfissile, adjective

nonfissility, noun

unfissile, adjective

Examples from the web for fissile

At some point, they're going to have enough in the way of fissile material out of which to make a weapon.
As soon as uranium fission was considered for nuclear weapons, it was understood that the fissile isotope was the relevant one.
Breeders actually breed fissile isotopes, which are useful as reactor fuel, from neutrons and fertile isotopes.
If reactors can be build using other fissile materials it may be possible.
Without a treaty to prohibit the use of fissile material for weapons production the world will not get to zero.
We'll start by seeking a global ban on the production of fissile material for weapons.
fissile material shall mean a material containing any of the fissile nuclides.
AS fissile materials are being created and destroyed in a nuclear reactor, tracking their inventory can be a tricky business.
It is intended that this guide be applied to facilities which process, handle, or store fissile materials.
Total uncertainties for the benchmark cores are caused primarily by those for each of the fissile isotopes.

British Dictionary definitions for fissile

/ˈfɪsaɪl/

adjective

(Brit) capable of undergoing nuclear fission as a result of the impact of slow neutrons

(US & Canadian) another word for fissionable

tending to split or capable of being split

Derived Forms

fissility (fɪˈsɪlɪtɪ) noun

Word Origin

C17: from Latin fissilis, from fissus split; see fissi-

Word Origin and History for fissile

adj.

1660s, from Latin fissilis "that which may be cleft or split," from fissus, past participle of findere (see fissure).