tokamak

noun

to·​ka·​mak ˈtō-kə-ˌmak How to pronounce tokamak (audio) ˈtä- How to pronounce tokamak (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Strong magnetic coils in the tokamak confine the plasma, a task scientists describe as like holding Jell-O together using rubber bands. Laura Paddison, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for tokamak 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tokamak was in 1965

Dictionary Entries Near tokamak

Cite this Entry

“Tokamak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tokamak. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on tokamak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!