Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device that initiates and controls a sustained nuclear chain reaction: A nuclear reactor is an apparatus designed to maintain a controlled, self-sustaining series of nuclear fissions. Its primary purposes are the generation of heat for power production and the creation of artificial radioactive elements.

Usage

• The term "nuclear reactor" refers to the complete installation or apparatus. It is a countable noun.
• It is used in scientific, engineering, and industrial contexts related to energy, physics, and research.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The power plant's nuclear reactor provides electricity for the entire region.
  • Scientists are studying the design of a new, safer nuclear reactor.
  • The research nuclear reactor is used to produce medical isotopes.

Advanced Usage

• "to go critical": This phrase describes the moment when a nuclear reactor achieves a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
  • The reactor went critical at 3:00 AM, marking the start of its operational life.
• "reactor core": This refers to the central part of a nuclear reactor containing the fuel assemblies where the nuclear reaction takes place.
  • The technicians monitored the temperature in the reactor core.

Variants and Related Words

• Reactor (n): A common shortened form of "nuclear reactor" in technical contexts.
  • The reactor has been shut down for maintenance.
• Nuclear fission reactor (n): A more specific technical term.
• Fusion reactor (n): A theoretical or experimental apparatus designed to produce energy by nuclear fusion, not fission. This is a different type of apparatus.

Synonyms

• Atomic pile: An early, now largely historical, term for a nuclear reactor.
• Nuclear furnace: A descriptive, non-technical synonym.

Related Phrases

• Nuclear chain reaction: The process a reactor controls.
• Reactor vessel: The robust container that holds the reactor core.
• Coolant: A substance (e.g., water, liquid metal) used to remove heat from the reactor core.

Noun

1. (physics) any of several kinds of apparatus that maintain and control a nuclear reaction for the production of energy or artificial elements