What does "binding energy" mean?

The energy needed to separate the constituent parts of an atom or nucleus; equivalent to the mass defect.

Binding energy

Common synonyms include: bond energy, bond strength, bonded, chemical bond energy, cohesive, mass defect energy.

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
The energy needed to separate the constituent parts of an atom or nucleus; equivalent to the mass defect. countable, uncountable
2
the energy required to separate particles from a molecule or atom or nucleus; equals the mass defect wordnet