high-energy

adjective

high-en·​er·​gy ˈhī-ˈe-nər-jē How to pronounce high-energy (audio)
1
a
: having such speed and kinetic energy as to exhibit relativistic departure from classical laws of motion
—used especially of elementary particles whose velocity has been imparted by an accelerator
b
: of or relating to high-energy particles
2
: yielding a relatively large amount of energy when undergoing hydrolysis

Examples of high-energy in a Sentence

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With a nucleus with 208 protons and neutrons, scientists were able to create plasma droplets, and the the violent collisions result in a high-energy quark or gluon being launched. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 This high-energy concert takes the Beatles’ hits and gives them a New Orleans jazz-blues-funk twist. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 AeroVironment Inc delivered its first two multi-purpose high-energy lasers to the US Army last summer. — Reuters, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Later, as the disk thins and starlight can pass through it more easily, these winds and jets weaken, and magnetic processes are dominated by high-energy radiation from the infant star ionizing gas and blowing it into space. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for high-energy

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of high-energy was in 1934

Rhymes for high-energy

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Browse Nearby Words

high-end
high-energy
high-energy physics
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Cite this Entry

“High-energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high-energy. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

high-energy

adjective
: yielding a relatively large amount of energy when undergoing hydrolysis
high-energy phosphate bonds in ATP
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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