breeder reactor
Noun: A breeder reactor is a type of nuclear reactor designed to generate more fissile material (fuel) than it consumes during its operation. It "breeds" new nuclear fuel, typically converting non-fissile isotopes like uranium-238 into fissile plutonium-239.
The term is used specifically in the context of nuclear energy and technology to describe a reactor with this particular fuel-generating capability. * The country's energy plan includes the development of a breeder reactor to extend its nuclear fuel resources. * One advantage of a breeder reactor is its potential to utilize a much larger percentage of mined uranium.
- Fast breeder reactor (FBR): A common type of breeder reactor that uses fast neutrons (neutrons not slowed by a moderator) to sustain the nuclear chain reaction and breeding process.
- The prototype is a fast breeder reactor, which requires a different cooling system than conventional designs.
- Breeder (noun, informal): A shortened, informal form of "breeder reactor."
- The debate focused on the safety of the new breeder.
- Breeding (noun, in this context): The process of creating more fissile material.
- The breeding ratio is a key metric for these reactors.
- Fast reactor (specifically for FBR types, though not all fast reactors are breeders)
- Converter reactor (a reactor that produces some new fuel but less than it consumes, in contrast to a breeder)
The term "breeder reactor" does not have other common meanings outside of nuclear physics and engineering. The word "breeder" alone can refer to a person or animal that breeds, but this is unrelated to the compound technical term "breeder reactor."
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a nuclear reactor that produces more fissile material than it burns
