nuclear power

American  

[noo-klee-er pou-er, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈpaʊ ər, ˈnju- /

noun

1. power derived from nuclear energy.

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nuclear power British  

noun

1. Also called: atomic power.  power, esp electrical or motive, produced by a nuclear reactor

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nuclear power Cultural  

1. The electrical power generated by a nuclear reactor.

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Pronunciation

See nuclear ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of nuclear power

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

For more than a decade, the U.S. intelligence community has assessed that Iran sought a threshold nuclear capability, securing the strategic advantages of a nuclear power without incurring the costs of openly pursuing a bomb.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026

That’s likely to boost other energy sources such as coal, renewables and nuclear power, especially if the Iranians make good on threats to eventually charge fees for Hormuz transit, said Sarah Emerson with ESAI.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 18, 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said ahead of the G7 summit session the UK is to supply enriched uranium to Ukraine for its nuclear power stations and impose new sanctions against Russia.

From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026

It contains special properties that can be used to fuel nuclear power plants, but also help develop nuclear weapons.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

“We cannot take the same attitude now because the success which we have achieved in the development of nuclear power is fraught with infinitely greater dangers than were all the inventions of the past.”

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• atomic energy