C1nounscienceenvironment
US/riˈæk.tər/
UK/riˈæk.tə/
a large machine that produces nuclear energy, especially to make electricity
In context
Engineers shut down the reactor after a problem with the cooling system.
The country plans to build two new nuclear reactors by 2035.
Safety inspectors check the reactor for cracks and leaks every month.
Words that go with reactor
adjective + noun
- nuclear reactorA nuclear reactor produces heat without burning fuel.
noun + noun
- reactor coreThe reactor core must be kept cool at all times.
- reactor accidentThe reactor accident forced thousands to leave.
verb + noun
- shut down a reactorWorkers had to shut down the reactor immediately.
- build a reactorIt takes many years to build a reactor.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
atomic reactor powerCorrect: nuclear reactor
Incorrect:
reactor of nuclearCorrect: nuclear reactor