nuclear reactor

Other forms: nuclear reactors

Definitions of nuclear reactor

1. noun

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

   types:

   atomic pile, atomic reactor, chain reactor, pile

   a nuclear reactor that uses controlled nuclear fission to generate energy

   breeder reactor

   a nuclear reactor that produces more fissile material than it burns

   fast reactor

   nuclear reactor in which nuclear fissions are caused by fast neutrons because little or no moderator is used

   gas-cooled reactor

   a nuclear reactor using gas as a coolant

   liquid metal reactor

   a nuclear reactor using liquid metal as a coolant

   thermal reactor

   a nuclear reactor in which nuclear fissions are caused by neutrons that are slowed down by a moderator

   fusion reactor, thermonuclear reactor

   a nuclear reactor that uses controlled nuclear fusion to generate energy

   water-cooled reactor

   nuclear reactor using water as a coolant

   BWR, boiling water reactor

   a nuclear reactor that uses water as a coolant and moderator; the water boils in the reactor core and the steam produced can drive a steam turbine

   PWR, pressurized water reactor

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

   type of:

   apparatus, setup

   equipment designed to serve a specific function