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

It's a nuclear power and a mighty military, by European standards.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2026

Then came the war in Ukraine, followed by the AI boom -- putting the energy sector under severe strain and leading both Joe Biden and Donald Trump to revive civilian nuclear power.

From Barron's • Jun. 28, 2026

In Switzerland, the Beznau nuclear power plant took both reactors of grid on Friday because the temperature in the River Aare reached 25C, which is considered too high to cool the reactors sufficiently.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

Renewable energy, nuclear power and conservation were certainly pieces of the solution puzzle.

From Salon • Jun. 26, 2026

In a nuclear power plant, water serves as a shield, slowing down and capturing neutrons, as do the steel walls of the reactor vessels and the thick concrete of the primary containment chamber.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Related Words

• atomic energy