nucleosynthesis

noun

nu·​cle·​o·​syn·​the·​sis ˌnü-klē-ō-ˈsin(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce nucleosynthesis (audio)
ˌnyü-
: the production of a chemical element from simpler nuclei (as of hydrogen) especially in a star
nucleosynthetic
ˌnü-klē-ō-sin-ˈthe-tik How to pronounce nucleosynthesis (audio)
ˌnyü-
adjective

Examples of nucleosynthesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This process where stars form heavier elements by nuclear fusion is called stellar nucleosynthesis. — Luke Keller, Space.com, 7 Sep. 2025 This process where stars form heavier elements by nuclear fusion is called stellar nucleosynthesis. — ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025 Our earth contains a plethora of iron and rare earth metals that were created through stellar nucleosynthesis during billions of years of supernovae enrichment. — Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 And among old galactic halo stars, the Lithium-7 underabundance is a factor of two to three below big bang nucleosynthesis predictions. — Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nucleosynthesis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nucleosynthesis was in 1957

Rhymes for nucleosynthesis

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Browse Nearby Words

nucleosome
nucleosynthesis
nucleotidase
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Cite this Entry

“Nucleosynthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleosynthesis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nucleosynthesis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nucleosynthesis

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