Definition

Noun: A pressurized water reactor is a type of nuclear reactor in which water, kept under high pressure to prevent it from boiling, is used as both a coolant to remove heat from the reactor core and a moderator to slow down neutrons. The heat from this primary water loop is transferred to a secondary loop, where it generates steam to drive a turbine for electricity production.

Usage

This term is used specifically in the context of nuclear energy and power generation. - It describes a common design for commercial nuclear power plants. - It is often abbreviated as PWR.

Examples

• The country's newest power station utilizes a pressurized water reactor.
• Safety protocols for a pressurized water reactor are extremely rigorous.
• Compared to other designs, the pressurized water reactor has a distinct containment structure.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used in technical comparisons, such as between a pressurized water reactor (PWR) and a boiling water reactor (BWR).
• It can be part of discussions on nuclear reactor technology, safety, and efficiency.

Variants and Related Words

• PWR: The standard acronym for pressurized water reactor.
• Reactor pressure vessel: The key component that contains the reactor core and the pressurized coolant.
• Primary loop / circuit: The closed system where pressurized water circulates through the reactor core.
• Secondary loop / circuit: The separate system where steam is generated to drive the turbine.

Synonyms

• Light-water reactor (LWR): A broader category of reactors that use ordinary water, which includes both pressurized water reactors and boiling water reactors.

Related Phrases

• Nuclear power plant: A facility that houses one or more nuclear reactors, including pressurized water reactors, for generating electricity.
• Coolant and moderator: A phrase describing the dual function of the water in a pressurized water reactor.

Noun

1. a nuclear reactor that uses water as a coolant and moderator; the steam produced can drive a steam turbine