原子能 (yuán zǐ néng) — atomic energy | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

Refers to the energy released from splitting or fusing atoms (nuclear energy). It is the scientific/scientific-news term; 核能 is the more common everyday word for the same thing.

noun

atomic energy

Examples

原子能。
Xǔ duō guó jiā dōu zài fā zhǎn yuán zǐ néng fā diàn jì shù.
Many countries are developing atomic energy power generation technology.
原子能。
yuán zǐ néng Shì yì zhǒng qīng jié dàn zhēng yì hěn dà de néng yuán.
Atomic energy is a clean but highly controversial energy source.
原子能。
Tā men zhèng zài yán jiū rú hé gèng ān quán dì lì yòng yuán zǐ néng.
They are researching how to use atomic energy more safely.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

原子atom

原yuánoriginal子zǐparticle

偏正Modifier + head

原子 atom and 能 energy combine to mean energy from atoms.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

泉泉quánspring
厂厂chǎngcliff

原 combines 泉 (spring) and 厂 (cliff), picturing a spring bursting from a cliff-side, which gives the sense of origin or source.

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

子 is drawn as a baby with a large head, arms stretched out, and legs wrapped in a blanket.

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

能 is an old picture of a bear, showing two paws and a face with an open mouth.

Appears in

Energy & Power Physics & Chemistry

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