Definitions for "Nucleosynthesis"
The creation of new elements in stars by combining lighter nuclei to make heavier nuclei. More about nucleosynthesis...
The chemical reaction by which atomic nuclei (of any chemical element) are created. Nucleosynthesis took place when the Universe was very young. Today it takes place, for instance, in the stars' cores: the hydrogen, the most abundant component of a star, is converted into helium (this is referred to as helium nucleosynthesis) a process by which a huge amount of energy is released. This is the energy that allows the star to keep shining. When the hydrogen is used up then the star begins to transform the helium into other elements, and so on. The elements are hence used as fuel for the star, and the kind of element used in each stage of the star's life is an indication of how long it has been shining. Therefore, the chemical components of a star can provide a lot of information about its history. See also Primordial nucleosynthesis.
The production of new elements via nuclear reactions. Nucleosynthesis takes place in stars. It also took place soon after the Big Bang.