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

Nuclear power is consistent and is already a major source of clean energy in the U.S., preventing hundreds of millions of metric tons of emissions annually.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Nuclear power, personal computing, automation, reproductive medicine and supply-chain logistics are just a few areas this show explores.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Nuclear power accounts for about nine percent of electricity produced in the world, and there are some 440 reactors in about 30 countries, according to the World Nuclear Association.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

Nuclear power also produces radioactive waste; disposing of it can be costly and comes with environmental risks.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

Nuclear power plants also use this process—they boil water to create steam that turns turbines.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Related Words

• atomic energy