breeder reactor

noun

1. a type of nuclear reactor that produces more fissionable material than it consumes Compare converter reactor See also fast-breeder reactor

breeder reactor

/ brē′dər /

1. A nuclear reactor that is used to create fissionable material (such as plutonium-239) by exposing nonfissionable material (such as uranium-238) to radiation. The source of the radiation is usually some other fissionable material. Breeder reactors produce more fissionable material than they use up.

breeder reactor

1. A nuclear reactor in which plutonium and other materials are produced as a by-product.

Notes

The development of the breeder reactor has been stopped in the United States, but continues to be pursued in Europe and Japan.

Breeder reactors are designed to produce more fuel than they consume.

Related Words

• reactor