nuclear power
HighFormal, Technical, News, Academic
Definition
Meaning
Electrical or motive power generated by the controlled release of energy from atomic nuclei, typically through nuclear fission.
A nation or state possessing nuclear weapons; the geopolitical status or influence derived from possessing such weapons.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun phrase referring to a technology or energy source. The extended geopolitical meaning is context-dependent, typically found in political or military discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation differs ('nucular' is a common but stigmatized non-standard pronunciation in AmE).
Connotations
Both share connotations of energy security, environmental debate, and potential danger. In UK context, historically tied to specific nationalised industry (e.g., 'the nuclear power programme').
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties due to global energy and security discussions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Nation/Company] + relies on/generates/opposes + nuclear powerThe debate/arguments for/against + nuclear powerThe future/role of + nuclear powerVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A nuclear power (referring to a state)”
- “Go nuclear (colloquial, meaning to escalate drastically, not directly related)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Discussion of energy portfolios, investment in infrastructure, and energy security.
Academic
Analysis of energy policy, environmental impact studies, nuclear physics, and international relations.
Everyday
Conversations about electricity bills, climate change, and news events related to power plants.
Technical
Specifications of reactor types, fuel cycles, waste management, and grid capacity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The country decided to nuclear-power its future fleet of submarines.
- We cannot simply nuclear-power our way out of the climate crisis.
American English
- The utility plans to nuclear-power the new data center.
- Some argue we should nuclear-power the entire grid.
adjective
British English
- The nuclear-power debate is highly polarised.
- They are a leading nuclear-power nation.
American English
- The nuclear-power industry is seeking federal subsidies.
- Nuclear-power generation has low carbon emissions.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Nuclear power makes electricity.
- Some countries use nuclear power.
- Nuclear power plants produce a lot of energy without smoke.
- The debate about nuclear power is important for the environment.
- Proponents argue that nuclear power is a necessary low-carbon energy source, while opponents highlight the risks of accidents and waste disposal.
- The government is reviewing its policy on nuclear power following the recent energy crisis.
- The geopolitical ramifications of being a nuclear power extend far beyond mere military capability, influencing diplomatic leverage and regional stability.
- Despite advancements in safety, the economics of new nuclear power stations remain prohibitive without significant state intervention.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the NUCLEUS (core) of an atom providing the POWER to light a city.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER AS A CONTROLLED FORCE (often with the potential for catastrophic release).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'ядерная сила' for the energy sense; use 'атомная энергия' or 'ядерная энергетика'. 'Ядерная держава' is correct for the geopolitical sense.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'nucular power'. Confusing 'nuclear power' (energy) with 'nuclear weapon'. Using it as an adjective directly before a noun without a hyphen (e.g., 'nuclear power plant' is correct, not 'nuclear powerplant').
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'nuclear power' NOT primarily refer to electricity generation?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not classified as renewable because it relies on finite mined resources (like uranium). However, it is considered a low-carbon energy source.
They are largely synonymous in the context of electricity generation. 'Nuclear power' often emphasises the practical application and infrastructure, while 'nuclear energy' can refer more to the scientific principle.
Controversy centres on the long-term storage of radioactive waste, the potential for catastrophic accidents, high construction costs, and its linkage to nuclear weapons proliferation, balanced against its low greenhouse gas emissions and high energy density.
Yes, in political/military contexts, 'a nuclear power' means a nation that possesses nuclear weapons (e.g., 'The treaty was signed by five recognised nuclear powers.').
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