Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device or structure in which a controlled nuclear chain reaction is maintained, used for generating power, producing radioactive isotopes, or for research. This is the most common meaning, referring to nuclear technology.
   • An electrical device that introduces reactance (a type of opposition to alternating current) into a circuit. This is a technical meaning used in electrical engineering.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Nuclear):

  • The power plant's reactor generates electricity for over a million homes.
  • Scientists are studying the core of the experimental reactor.
  • After the accident, the damaged reactor was encased in a concrete shelter.

• Noun (Electrical):

  • The engineer installed a reactor in the circuit to limit the fault current.
  • Inductive reactors are used to control power flow in transmission lines.

Advanced Usage

• "to go critical": When a nuclear reactor achieves a self-sustaining chain reaction.

  • The research reactor went critical for the first time yesterday.

• "breeder reactor": A type of nuclear reactor that creates more fissile material than it consumes.

  • The breeder reactor is designed to produce fuel while generating power.

Variants and Related Words

• Nuclear reactor (n phrase): The full term for the apparatus that sustains a nuclear chain reaction.

  • The country is investing in next-generation nuclear reactor designs.

• Reactor core (n phrase): The central part of a nuclear reactor containing the fuel and where the fission reaction takes place.

  • The temperature in the reactor core must be carefully controlled.

• Chemical reactor (n phrase): A vessel designed to contain chemical reactions. (Note: This is a related but distinct compound term).

  • The new chemical reactor allows for safer production of pharmaceuticals.

Synonyms

• Nuclear pile (archaic): An early term for a nuclear reactor.
• Atomic pile (archaic): Similar to nuclear pile.
• Inductor (for electrical sense): A device that provides inductance, a specific type of reactance.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Fast reactor: A reactor using fast neutrons.
• Thermal reactor: A reactor using thermal (slow) neutrons.
• Pressurized water reactor (PWR): A common type of power reactor.
• Fusion reactor: An experimental device aimed at producing energy by nuclear fusion.

Noun

1. (physics) any of several kinds of apparatus that maintain and control a nuclear reaction for the production of energy or artificial elements
2. an electrical device used to introduce reactance into a circuit