photodisintegration

[ foh-toh-di-sin-ti-grey-shuh n ]
/ ˌfoʊ toʊ dɪˌsɪn tɪˈgreɪ ʃən /

noun Physics.

the disintegration of a nucleus, induced by its absorption of a photon.

Origin of photodisintegration

First recorded in 1930–35; photo- + disintegration

British Dictionary definitions for photodisintegration

photodisintegration
/ (ˌfəʊtəʊdɪˌsɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən) /

noun

disintegration of an atomic nucleus as a result of its absorption of a photon, usually a gamma ray