tokamak

noun

to·​ka·​mak ˈtō-kə-ˌmak  ˈtä- 

variants or less commonly tokomak

: a toroidal device for producing controlled nuclear fusion that involves the confining and heating of a gaseous plasma by means of an electric current and magnetic field

Examples of tokamak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The element is increasingly being explored as a way to line the inside of plasma fusion reactors known as tokamaks and stellarators because of its ability to withstand the scorching temperatures created inside of them. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2024

Known as high-temperature superconductors, the magnets are stronger than the copper ones used in older tokamaks. —Ella Nilsen, CNN, 19 Sep. 2024

Like tokamaks, stellarators confine a fusion reaction by creating a magnetic cage, but stellarators require only magnets and are supposed to be more stable and operate at a steady state. —Katie Fehrenbacher, Axios, 30 July 2024

So Ding and his team aim to try their approach at other tokamaks, especially the ones with metal walls. —Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Russian, from toroidal'naya kamera s aksial'nym magnitnym polem (toroidal chamber with an axial magnetic field)

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above