fast-breeder reactor
C2Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A nuclear reactor that produces more fissile material than it consumes, using fast neutrons.
A type of nuclear reactor designed to generate nuclear fuel while producing energy, typically using a coolant like liquid sodium and a core surrounded by a blanket of fertile material (e.g., uranium-238 or thorium-232) that is converted into fissile fuel (e.g., plutonium-239).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a compound noun where 'fast' refers to the high-energy neutrons used, and 'breeder' indicates its ability to create more fuel. It is a highly specialized term within nuclear engineering and energy policy discussions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling remains hyphenated in both varieties. The concept is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. May carry associations with advanced nuclear technology, proliferation risks, and historical debates over nuclear energy.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Used with identical rarity in technical contexts in both the UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [ADJ] fast-breeder reactor [VERB]...Development of fast-breeder reactor technologyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, only in energy sector reports or investment discussions concerning advanced nuclear technology.
Academic
Primary context. Used in physics, engineering, and energy policy papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core context. Precise term in nuclear engineering.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The plant was designed to fast-breed fuel, but the reactor was never completed.
American English
- The facility aimed to fast-breed plutonium for energy purposes.
adverb
British English
- The reactor was designed to operate fast-breeder efficiently.
American English
- The process functions fast-breeder, unlike conventional models.
adjective
British English
- The fast-breeder reactor programme faced significant public opposition.
American English
- Fast-breeder reactor technology requires stringent safety protocols.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A fast-breeder reactor is a machine for making energy.
- Some countries have built fast-breeder reactors to produce nuclear fuel.
- The decommissioning of the experimental fast-breeder reactor proved to be complex and costly.
- While the fast-breeder reactor concept promises a sustainable fuel cycle, its economic viability and proliferation risks remain contentious issues among policymakers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FAST neutrons help it BREED new fuel like a rabbit, in a nuclear REACTOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
A factory that produces more fuel (like a breeding animal) while it works.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'fast' as 'быстрый' in a simplistic way; it's a technical term for 'быстрые нейтроны' (fast neutrons).
- The term 'breeder' is technical ('реактор-размножитель'), not related to animal breeding.
Common Mistakes
- Omitting the hyphen (fast breeder reactor is common but less standard).
- Confusing it with a 'fusion reactor'.
- Using it in non-technical contexts where 'nuclear reactor' is sufficient.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary technical characteristic of a fast-breeder reactor?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A fast-breeder reactor is a specific type of nuclear reactor design. A nuclear power plant is the overall facility that may contain one or more reactors of various types.
It 'breeds' or creates new fissile fuel (like plutonium-239) from fertile material (like uranium-238) as a byproduct of its operation.
No. While several prototypes have been built, high costs, technical challenges, and proliferation concerns have limited their widespread commercial deployment.
Liquid sodium is a common coolant because it does not slow down neutrons significantly, allowing them to remain 'fast'.
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