The process by which stars create heavier elements from lighter ones through nuclear fusion reactions in their cores. This process is responsible for producing most elements in the periodic table heavier than hydrogen and helium.
From Latin 'stella' meaning star, 'nucleus' meaning kernel or core, and Greek 'synthesis' meaning putting together. The term was coined in the mid-20th century as scientists understood how stars forge elements.
Every atom in your body except hydrogen was forged in the nuclear furnace of a star or during a stellar explosion - we are literally made of stardust! The calcium in your bones, the iron in your blood, and the oxygen you breathe all came from stellar nucleosynthesis.
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