An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
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Any material that is capable of undergoing → nuclear fission by → thermal neutrons. The three primary fissile materials are uranium-233, uranium-235, and plutonium-239. Although sometimes used as a synonym for → fissionable material, this term has acquired a more restricted meaning.

From L. fissilis, from fiss(us), + -illis a suffix of adjectives expressing capability, susceptibility, liability, aptitude, etc.

Šekâftani, from šekâft, → fission + -i a suffix expressing capability, aptitude, etc.

An isotope that is capable of undergoing nuclear fission after capturing either fast neutron or thermal neutron. Typical fissionable isotopes: ²³⁸U, ²⁴⁰Pu, but also ²³⁵U, ²³³U, ²³⁹Pu, ²⁴¹Pu

→ fissile; → isotope .