control rod

noun

1. a neutron-absorbing material, as boron or cadmium, in the shape of a rod or other configuration, that can be moved into or out of the core of a nuclear reactor to regulate the rate of fission.

control rod

noun

1. one of a number of rods or tubes containing a neutron absorber, such as boron, that can be inserted into or retracted from the core of a nuclear reactor in order to control its rate of reaction

Word History and Origins

Origin of control rod¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

“I’m meeting all these people that are like, ‘I feel like this control rod could get longer,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The sink stopper and the control rod that makes the stopper go up and down are choke points within the tailpiece pipe just under the sink.

From Seattle Times

That’s a process in which all control rods are inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure.

From Washington Times

That means control rods have been inserted into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and generation of heat and pressure.

From New York Times

Shutting down a nuclear reactor involves inserting control rods between the fuel rods to stop the fission reaction.

From Salon