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nuclear fusion
1. A process by which matter changes to energy.

The nuclei of lighter atoms fuse, or join, to form heavier nuclei, releasing energy.

2. The process which keeps stars, like the sun, luminous for billions of years.

In general, nuclear fusion involves the "fusing" together of atomic nuclei of low mass to form heavier nuclei. A vast amount of energy is released in the process.

This entry is located in the following unit: Astronomy and related astronomical terms (page 17)