spallation
noun
spall·ation
spȯ-ˈlā-shən 
1
: a nuclear reaction in which light particles are ejected as the result of bombardment (as by high-energy protons)
2
: the process of spalling
Examples of spallation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This would initiate a series of nuclear processes where the atoms split in a process called spallation, which releases a shower of neutrons.
—
New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025
The correction errors induced by D spallation are around 50% for δD and negligible for water content42.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 July 2025
Those protons smashing and staying put creates the right kind of actinium through a process called spallation.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2024
Are there a sufficient number of meteorites slamming into planets to launch life-seeding rocks through space (a.k.a. cause spallation)?
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2017
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New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025
The correction errors induced by D spallation are around 50% for δD and negligible for water content42.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 July 2025
Those protons smashing and staying put creates the right kind of actinium through a process called spallation.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2024
Are there a sufficient number of meteorites slamming into planets to launch life-seeding rocks through space (a.k.a. cause spallation)?
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2017
Cite this Entry
“Spallation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spallation. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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