stellarator

noun

stel·​lar·​ator
ˈsteləˌrātə(r)
plural -s
: a toroidal device for producing controlled nuclear fusion that involves the confining and heating of a gaseous plasma by means of an externally applied magnetic field

Word History

Etymology

stellar + -ator (as in generator); from its use of temperatures approaching those occurring in some stars

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Cite this Entry

“Stellarator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stellarator. Accessed 6 May. 2024.

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