breeder

[ bree-der ]
/ ˈbri dər /

noun

an animal, plant, or person that produces offspring or reproduces.
a person who raises animals or plants primarily for breeding purposes.
Also called breeder reactor. Energy. a nuclear reactor in which more fissile material is produced than is consumed.
Slang: Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used by gays to refer to a heterosexual.
Slang: Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used especially by child-free people to refer to a biological parent.

Origin of breeder

First recorded in 1525–35; breed + -er1

OTHER WORDS FROM breeder

non·breed·er, noun

British Dictionary definitions for breeder reactor (1 of 2)

breeder reactor

noun

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

British Dictionary definitions for breeder reactor (2 of 2)

breeder
/ (ˈbriːdə) /

noun

a person who breeds plants or animals
something that reproduces, esp to excess rabbits are persistent breeders
an animal kept for breeding purposes
a source or cause a breeder of discontent
short for breeder reactor

Scientific definitions for breeder reactor

breeder reactor
[ brēdər ]

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.

Cultural definitions for breeder reactor

breeder reactor

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

notes for breeder reactor

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

notes for breeder reactor

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