nuclear reactor

n.

1.

(phys.) Any of several devices that maintain and control a sustained nuclear fission chain reaction, for the production of energy, heat, or artificial elements, or for research purposes. The main fuel sustaining the reaction and consumed by the process is typically uranium or plutonium.

Noun

1.

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

apparatus, atomic pile, atomic reactor, breeder reactor, chain reactor, control rod, core, fast reactor, fusion reactor, gas-cooled reactor, liquid metal reactor, moderator, natural philosophy, physical science, physics, pile, reactor, setup, thermal reactor, thermonuclear reactor, water-cooled reactor