Reactor
ˈriːæktər
Definitions
2 meaningsA device or system, especially in a nuclear power plant, that produces energy through a controlled nuclear chain reaction.
ˈriːæktər
A container in which a controlled nuclear chain reaction can be sustained.
The scientists carefully monitored the reactor's core temperature.
💡 Simply: Imagine a super-powered oven that uses atoms to make energy. That's a reactor! It's where a bunch of tiny things bump into each other to make a lot of heat and electricity. It's like when you shake a can of soda, except with a reactor, scientists control how much shaking happens!
👶 For kids: A reactor is like a giant box where things inside bump into each other to make power.
More Examples
The nuclear reactor provides a significant amount of power to the city.
Safety is paramount in the operation of a nuclear reactor.
How It's Used
"The nuclear reactor at Chernobyl experienced a catastrophic meltdown."
"Engineers are designing safer reactor models."
A container or vessel designed for carrying out chemical reactions.
ˈriːæktər
A chamber or apparatus in which a chemical reaction takes place.
The chemical reactor was carefully calibrated to ensure the reaction occurred at the correct temperature.
💡 Simply: Think of a reactor like a big pot that helps chemicals mix together and create new stuff. It's used in factories to make all sorts of materials!
👶 For kids: A reactor is like a special pot that helps things change when you mix them.
More Examples
Scientists are constantly working on developing more efficient chemical reactors.
The catalyst enhanced the reaction within the reactor.
How It's Used
"The chemical reactor produced the desired compound."
"The new reactor improved the efficiency of the process."
From Late Latin reactorem, agent noun from reactus, past participle of reagere 'react'.
The term 'reactor' gained prominence in the mid-20th century with the development of nuclear energy.
Memory tip
Think of a 're-actor' – it's the place where the 'action' (nuclear reaction) happens.
Word Origin
"to react"