Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'reactor'

English Word: reactor

Key Russian Translations:

• реактор /rʲɪˈaktər/ - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in scientific, engineering, and nuclear energy discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with technical vocabulary and basic scientific concepts in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

реактор: /rʲɪˈaktər/

Note on реактор: The initial 'р' is a palatalized 'r' sound (/rʲ/), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the second syllable. Variations may occur in regional accents, such as in faster speech where vowels might slightly reduce.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A device that initiates and controls a nuclear chain reaction, often used in power generation or research.

Translation(s) & Context:

• реактор - Used in formal, technical, or scientific contexts, such as engineering reports or discussions about energy production.

Usage Examples:

• В ядерной энергетике реактор является ключевым компонентом для производства энергии.

  In nuclear energy, the reactor is a key component for energy production.

• Учёные тестируют новый реактор в лаборатории, чтобы улучшить безопасность.

  Scientists are testing a new reactor in the laboratory to improve safety.

• Реактор в этой электростанции работает на уране и производит электричество для миллионов людей.

  The reactor in this power plant operates on uranium and generates electricity for millions of people.

• Из-за неисправности реактора пришлось эвакуировать персонал.

  Due to the reactor malfunction, the personnel had to be evacuated.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Реактор" is a masculine noun in Russian, following the standard patterns for nouns ending in a consonant. It is inflected based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • атомный реактор (atomic reactor) - Specifically for nuclear contexts, emphasizing the atomic aspect.
  • ядерный генератор (nuclear generator) - Used interchangeably in some engineering discussions, but less precise.
• Antonyms:
  • неядерный источник энергии (non-nuclear energy source) - Broad term for alternatives like solar or wind power.

Related Phrases:

• Ядерный реактор - A phrase meaning "nuclear reactor"; commonly used in discussions about energy policy. (Refers to a specific type of reactor powered by nuclear reactions.)
• Химический реактор - Meaning "chemical reactor"; used in industrial chemistry contexts. (Highlights applications beyond nuclear science.)
• Реактор на быстрых нейтронах - Translates to "fast neutron reactor"; a technical term for advanced nuclear designs. (Emphasizes specialized engineering.)

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "реактор" directly corresponds to the English "reactor" in technical and scientific contexts, but it's most accurate in nuclear or chemical engineering. Use it in formal settings, such as academic papers or professional discussions, rather than casual conversation. When choosing between translations, opt for "реактор" for general nuclear applications; if the context is more specific (e.g., atomic), "атомный реактор" might be preferable. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., большой реактор for "big reactor").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "реактор" interchangeably with "генератор" without context. Incorrect: "Электростанция использует генератор для энергии." (This might imply a non-nuclear generator.)

  Correct: "Электростанция использует реактор для ядерной энергии." Explanation: "Реактор" specifically denotes a device for controlled reactions, so clarify the type to avoid ambiguity in scientific writing.

• Error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., using nominative in all contexts. Incorrect: "О реактор" instead of "О реакторе" in prepositional case.

  Correct: "Мы говорим о реакторе." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must pay attention to sentence structure to match the noun's role.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, the term "реактор" is often associated with the Soviet-era nuclear program, including iconic sites like the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. This can carry connotations of both technological advancement and historical tragedies, such as the 1986 disaster, which influenced global nuclear safety standards. Understanding this context helps English speakers grasp the word's emotional weight in Russian discourse.

Related Concepts:

• уран (uranium)
• радиация (radiation)
• атомная энергия (atomic energy)