control rod: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “control rod” mean?
A rod or tube made of a material (such as boron or cadmium) that absorbs neutrons, used to regulate the rate of fission in a nuclear reactor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rod or tube made of a material (such as boron or cadmium) that absorbs neutrons, used to regulate the rate of fission in a nuclear reactor.
Any physical rod used to manage or restrain the operation of a system. Can be metaphorically used to describe a person or mechanism that exerts tight regulatory authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related words may follow regional conventions (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties. The term carries the same neutral-to-serious association with nuclear power and regulation.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects, appearing only in relevant engineering, physics, or energy policy contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “control rod” in a Sentence
[insert/withdraw] the control rod [into/from] the reactor coreThe control rod [regulates/controls/modulates] the reaction.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “control rod” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The control-rod mechanism failed.
- A control-rod drive system was installed.
American English
- The control rod mechanism failed.
- A control rod drive system was installed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in energy sector reports: 'The investment covers replacement of the reactor's control rods.'
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, and environmental science texts discussing nuclear reactor operation and safety.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only occur in news reports about nuclear incidents or energy policy debates.
Technical
The primary domain. Refers precisely to the reactor component, its material, positioning, and function.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “control rod”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “control rod”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “control rod”
- Confusing 'control rod' with 'fuel rod' (one absorbs neutrons to slow the reaction, the other provides fuel to sustain it). Using 'controller rod'. Incorrect pluralisation: 'controls rods'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A fuel rod contains fissile material (like uranium) that undergoes fission. A control rod contains neutron-absorbing material (like boron) that regulates the rate of fission.
It is extremely rare. The term is highly specialized. In other engineering fields, different terms like 'actuator rod' or 'regulator' are used.
These materials have a high neutron capture cross-section, meaning they are very effective at absorbing free neutrons without themselves fissioning, thus controlling the chain reaction.
In a reactor designed for critical operation, removing all control rods would allow the neutron population to rise rapidly, leading to an increase in power and potentially a dangerous condition if not properly managed by other safety systems.
A rod or tube made of a material (such as boron or cadmium) that absorbs neutrons, used to regulate the rate of fission in a nuclear reactor.
Control rod is usually technical, scientific in register.
Control rod: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈtrəʊl rɒd/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈtroʊl rɑːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be the control rod in the situation (metaphorical: to be the one who restrains or regulates a volatile group).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ROD that CONTROLS a furious, splitting (fission) atom by giving it a 'time-out'—it absorbs the particles that keep the reaction going.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRAKE or DAMPER for an atomic process. Authority as a restraining device.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a nuclear reactor control rod?