binding energy

/ˌbaɪndɪŋ ˌɛnərdʒi/

Other forms: binding energies

Definitions of binding energy

1. noun

   the energy required to separate particles from a molecule or atom or nucleus; equals the mass defect
   synonyms: separation energy

   type of:

   energy, free energy

   (physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs