reactor

[ree-ak-ter]

noun

1. a person or thing that reacts or undergoes reaction.

2. Electricity.,  a device whose primary purpose is to introduce reactance into a circuit.

3. Immunology, Veterinary Medicine.,  a patient or animal that reacts positively towards a foreign material.

4. Physics.,  nuclear reactor.

5. Chemistry.,  (especially in industry) a large container, as a vat, for processes in which the substances involved undergo a chemical reaction.

reactor

/ rɪˈæktə /

noun

1. chem a substance, such as a reagent, that undergoes a reaction

2. short for nuclear reactor

3. a vessel, esp one in industrial use, in which a chemical reaction takes place

4. a coil of low resistance and high inductance that introduces reactance into a circuit

5. med a person sensitive to a particular drug or agent

Other Word Forms

• nonreactor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reactor¹

First recorded in 1885–90; 1940–45 reactor for def. 4; react + -or ²

Example Sentences

Captured by Russian forces early in the war, the facility no longer supplies power to the grid but still needs electricity to cool its six inactive reactors and spent fuel.

From Los Angeles Times

Those enjoying the benefits of first arrival could set up generous routes for rovers, equipment at dig sites for deposits, telecommunication assets, and even a nuclear reactor to assert a large area of domain.

From Los Angeles Times

Other plans include multinational firms such as Last Energy and DP World working together on a micro modular reactor at London Gateway port.

From BBC

“He was this nuclear reactor of creativity,” recalls Hayes, who directed Miranda’s short musical “Nightmare in D Major” at Hunter College High School.

From Los Angeles Times

Babcock at Rosyth is also running a trial project, begun earlier this year, to dismantle 23 retired submarines which were powered by nuclear reactors.

From BBC