Word
reactor
Phoneticsre·ac·tor, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈæktɝ/
UK/ɹɪˈæktɐ/
Definitions
01nuclear energy
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a large machine that uses nuclear energy to create heat and electricity.
n. an apparatus in which a nuclear chain reaction is initiated, sustained, and controlled to generate heat or produce useful isotopes.
“The power plant has three reactors that provide electricity for the whole city.”
“Engineers monitored the core temperature of the nuclear reactor to ensure the cooling systems were functioning within safety parameters.”
Synonyms
02chemical production
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Chemistry Technical
n. a container used in a factory to hold and control chemical reactions.
n. a vessel designed for carrying out a chemical reaction, often equipped with mechanisms for temperature and pressure control.
“The chemicals are mixed inside a large steel reactor to create the plastic.”
“The industrial reactor was lined with glass to prevent the acidic reactants from corroding the outer steel shell during the synthesis process.”
03electrical component
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a part in an electrical system that resists changes in current.
n. an electrical device, such as an inductor, used primarily to introduce reactance into a circuit.
“The technician replaced the faulty reactor in the power supply unit.”
“Current-limiting reactors are installed in the substation to protect the electrical grid from the high currents generated during a short circuit.”
Synonyms
04a person who reacts
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal
n. someone who responds to a situation or a suggestion.
n. an individual who responds to a specific stimulus, influence, or suggestion.
“He is a slow reactor and needs time to think before he answers.”
“Psychological studies often categorise participants as either fast or slow reactors based on their immediate physiological responses to stress.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The Almaraz plant in the western region of Extremadura was slated to close in 2028 as part of the government's plan to shut all nuclear reactors by 2035 and bet heavily on renewables.” “The drought-hit Danube, whose waters cool the Romanian plant in Cernavoda, already forced Nucelarelectrica to shut down one reactor in late July.” Etymology
From react + -or.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/reactor