China syndrome

noun

1. a hypothetical nuclear-reactor accident in which the fuel would melt through the floor of the containment structure and burrow into the earth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of China syndrome¹

First recorded in 1970–75; from the jocular notion that the hot reactor core would pass through to the other side of the earth

Example Sentences

The daughter of Henry Fonda, she made her feature debut in the 1960 romantic comedy “Tall Story” and enjoyed her greatest critical and commercial successes in a run of 1970s films that included Oscar-winning turns in “Klute” and “Coming Home,” and a lead in the politically charged thriller “The China Syndrome.”

From Los Angeles Times

"From my first time here in 1979 for 'The China Syndrome' to my most recent premiere for 'Behind the Candelabra' in 2013, the festival has always reminded me that magic of cinema is not just in what we see onscreen but in its ability to impact people all around the world."

From Reuters

Douglas, 78, is known for a wide-ranging career that includes films such as "The China Syndrome", "Basic Instinct", "Falling Down" and "Behind the Candelabra", all of which have been screened at Cannes.

From Reuters

He joined a band called China Syndrome.

From Salon

Washington state’s China Syndrome has nothing in common with the 1979 disaster film involving a nuclear-plant meltdown, although nukes could come into play.

From Seattle Times