reactor

noun re·ac·tor \rē-ˈak-tər\

physics : a large device that produces nuclear energy

Full Definition of REACTOR

: one that reacts

: a device (as a coil, winding, or conductor of small resistance) used to introduce reactance into an alternating-current circuit

a : a vat for an industrial chemical reaction

b : a device for the controlled release of nuclear energy (as for producing heat)

See reactor defined for English-language learners

See reactor defined for kids

First Known Use of REACTOR

1890

Rhymes with REACTOR

abstractor, attractor, cofactor, compactor, contractor, detractor, enactor, exactor, extractor, fudge factor, g-factor, impactor, load factor, protractor, redactor, refractor, retractor, subtracter, transactor

REACTOR Defined for Kids

reactor

noun re·ac·tor \rē-ˈak-tər\

Definition of REACTOR for Kids

: a device using atomic energy to produce heat

Medical Dictionary

reactor

noun re·ac·tor \rē-ˈak-tər\

Medical Definition of REACTOR

: one that reacts: as a : a chemical reagent b : an individual reacting to a stimulus c : an individual reacting positively to a foreign substance (as in a test for disease) <reactors to tuberculin>

a : a piece of equipment in which a chemical reaction and especially an industrial chemical reaction is carried out b : a device for the controlled release of nuclear energy (as for producing heat)