reactor - (physics) any of several kinds of apparatus that maintain and control a nuclear reaction for the production of energy or artificial elementsbreeder reactor - a nuclear reactor that produces more fissile material than it burns control rod - a steel or aluminum rod that can be moved up or down to control the rate of the nuclear reaction core - the chamber of a nuclear reactor containing the fissile material where the reaction takes place fast reactor - nuclear reactor in which nuclear fissions are caused by fast neutrons because little or no moderator is used thermal reactor - a nuclear reactor in which nuclear fissions are caused by neutrons that are slowed down by a moderator moderator - any substance used to slow down neutrons in nuclear reactors |