boiling-water reactor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “boiling-water reactor” mean?
A nuclear reactor design in which ordinary (light) water is used as both coolant and neutron moderator.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nuclear reactor design in which ordinary (light) water is used as both coolant and neutron moderator; the water is allowed to boil in the core to produce steam which directly drives electricity-generating turbines.
A common and established type of nuclear power reactor, known for its simpler design and inherent safety features, often contrasted with pressurized-water reactors. It forms a core technology in civilian nuclear power generation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; 'boiling-water reactor' is the standard term in both varieties. Spelling is consistent as a hyphenated compound noun.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equal frequency in relevant technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “boiling-water reactor” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] boiling-water reactor [VERB, e.g., *produces*, *operates*, *uses*]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boiling-water reactor” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The boiling-water reactor design is prevalent in Japan.
- We studied boiling-water reactor technology.
American English
- The boiling-water reactor model was developed by General Electric.
- Boiling-water reactor safety systems were reviewed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in corporate reports, energy sector investment discussions, and utility company strategy documents.
Academic
Common in engineering textbooks, physics papers, energy policy studies, and environmental science journals.
Everyday
Rare; might appear in news articles about nuclear power or energy policy debates.
Technical
The primary context; used in nuclear engineering, reactor operation manuals, safety regulations, and technical specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “boiling-water reactor”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “boiling-water reactor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boiling-water reactor”
- Misspelling as 'boiling water reactor' without the hyphen, which can slightly obscure its status as a fixed compound noun.
- Confusing it with 'pressurized-water reactor', where the water does not boil in the primary circuit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a fundamentally safe and mature design. Different reactor types have different safety engineering approaches, but BWRs incorporate multiple, redundant safety systems and have a strong operational history.
Boiling is an extremely efficient way to transfer heat. The resulting steam is used directly to drive electricity-generating turbines, simplifying the plant design by eliminating the need for a separate steam generator.
The standard abbreviation is BWR.
They have been widely deployed, notably in Japan, the United States, Sweden, Germany, and several other countries. They represent a significant portion of the world's nuclear power fleet.
A nuclear reactor design in which ordinary (light) water is used as both coolant and neutron moderator.
Boiling-water reactor is usually technical/formal in register.
Boiling-water reactor: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɔɪ.lɪŋ ˌwɔː.tə rɪˈæk.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɔɪ.lɪŋ ˌwɔː.ṭɚ riˈæk.tɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BOILING' water makes STEAM to turn a TURBINE directly – a simpler, direct cycle reactor.
Conceptual Metaphor
A sophisticated KETTLE: a contained system where boiling water creates the force (steam pressure) to perform work (generate electricity).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary functional difference between a boiling-water reactor (BWR) and a pressurised-water reactor (PWR)?