Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
nuclear meltdown

nuclear meltdown

5 7.2
A very dangerous accident in a nuclear power plant when the reactor gets too hot and releases radiation
  • noun
  • /ˈnjuːklɪr ˈmɛltˌdaʊn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : fusión nuclear
  • nuclear meltdown in Japan
  • Fukushima nuclear meltdown
  • Chernobyl nuclear meltdown

We provided every possible support for Japan and its people in response to the triple catastrophe of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown earlier this year.

Examples

  • The reason is that no insurance company will take on the risk given the potential liability of a nuclear meltdown.

    Blog text (20)

  • A catastrophic nuclear meltdown in the continental US would be devastating.

    Blog text (1)

  • We provided every possible support for Japan and its people in response to the triple catastrophe of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown earlier this year.

    Harvard University

  • The multiple nuclear meltdowns at the Fukushima plants beginning on March 11, 2011, are releasing large amounts of airborne radioactivity that have spread throughout Japan and to other nations; thus, studies of contamination and health hazards are merited.

    Blog text (8)

  • Studying the nuclear meltdown at Three Mile Island, Fleming et al. (1982) addressed the question of why some residents experienced greater stress levels than others by exploring the mediating influence of social support on depression, anxiety, and alienation.

    Academic text (1993)

  • The nuclear reactor suffered a serious failure, leading to a potential nuclear meltdown that could release harmful radiation.

  • Emergency protocols were activated when there was a threat of a nuclear meltdown at the facility.

  • Scientists warned that the risks associated with a nuclear meltdown could have devastating effects on public health.

Synonyms

meltdown
vsnuclear meltdown
  • Specialized
30 7.4

Severe overheating of a reactor core that makes it melt and release radiation

is the longer phrase that specifies the reactor context of the same event

Surface Forms

nuclear meltdown singular
nuclear meltdowns plural

Morphology

nuclear + meltdown

The compound is directly compositional: 'nuclear' specifies the atomic/reactor context and 'meltdown' denotes the core melting with radiation risk, so the combined meaning is immediately inferable from the parts. This modifier+noun pattern is common cross-linguistically and follows ordinary English composition, making it comprehensible to learners who know both constituents.

Etymology

The term nuclear meltdown comes from the image of a nuclear reactor's core literally undergoing a meltdown, like metal turning to liquid and breaking its walls. That's why it means 'severe overheating' where the core melts and lets dangerous radiation escape.