reactor
C1Formal, Technical, Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A device, structure, or apparatus in which a controlled nuclear chain reaction takes place, used for generating heat to produce electricity.
1. Any large container, vessel, or apparatus in which a chemical or biological process is carried out under controlled conditions. 2. A person who reacts to a stimulus, or a substance involved in a reaction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary, dominant meaning is overwhelmingly nuclear-related. The broader engineering/chemical meanings are specialized and context-dependent. The 'person who reacts' sense is obsolete or highly archaic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are regionally standard.
Connotations
Identical strong connotations with nuclear power, science, and technology.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British media/contexts due to historical prominence of nuclear power discourse (e.g., Sellafield).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[adjective] + reactorreactor + [of/for noun]reactor + [verb: melt down, overheat, operate]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go critical (of a reactor)”
- “Melt down”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in energy sector reports: 'The company invested in a new reactor design.'
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, and chemistry papers: 'The experiment was conducted in a batch reactor.'
Everyday
Almost exclusively in the context of news about nuclear power, disasters, or sci-fi: 'They're discussing building a new reactor.'
Technical
The primary register. Precise specifications: 'The pressurized water reactor's primary coolant loop leaked.'
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The news talked about a nuclear reactor.
- A reactor makes electricity.
- The government plans to close the old nuclear reactor.
- Scientists work inside the research reactor.
- After the earthquake, engineers safely shut down the reactor.
- The new fusion reactor design promises cleaner energy.
- The chemical reactor's catalyst bed required precise temperature control.
- Decommissioning the obsolete breeder reactor will take decades and cost billions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a reactor as a big, high-tech RE-ACTOR — a machine that forces atoms to REact and ACT, generating power.
Conceptual Metaphor
A REACTOR IS A HEART (pumping energy); A REACTOR IS A PRESSURE COOKER (containing intense forces).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "реактор" in its broader Russian engineering sense (e.g., chemical vessel). In English, the nuclear sense is primary. The Russian "ядерный реактор" is simply "nuclear reactor".
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'reacter' or 'reaktor'. Using 'reactor' for a simple 'reaction chamber' in non-technical contexts.
- Incorrect preposition: 'reactor on' (instead of 'reactor at' a facility).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'reactor' MOST commonly used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but that is its dominant meaning. In engineering and chemistry, it can refer to vessels for controlled chemical or biological processes (e.g., a bioreactor for growing cells).
A reactor produces heat (via nuclear fission/fusion or chemical reaction). A generator converts mechanical energy (often from steam turned by that heat) into electrical energy.
In modern English, almost never. This is an obsolete usage. You would say 'a person who reacts' or use 'respondent'.
It means the nuclear fission chain reaction became self-sustaining. It is a normal, necessary state for a power reactor to be in to produce energy, though 'critical' sounds alarming in everyday language.