meltdown

• Substantiv, das die Kernschmelze in einem Kernreaktor bezeichnet, bei der der Reaktorkern überhitzt und schmilzt, oft mit Freisetzung von Radioaktivität; außerdem metaphorisch für einen katastrophalen Zusammenbruch oder ein Versagen.

A noun referring to the severe overheating and melting of a nuclear reactor core, often resulting in the release of radiation; also used metaphorically to describe a catastrophic failure or collapse.

1. Nuclear reactor core meltingC1formaltechnical

   Severe overheating of a nuclear reactor's core that causes the fuel to melt and potentially release dangerous radiation into the environment.

   Kernschmelze

   • The plant suffered a catastrophic meltdown after the cooling system failed.
   • Engineers worked for weeks to stabilize the reactor and prevent a full meltdown.
   • The meltdown at Chernobyl released massive amounts of radioactive material.

   Synonymenuclear meltdown

2. Figurative disasterB2informal

   A situation that is as disastrous and uncontrollable as a nuclear meltdown, often used metaphorically in finance, politics, or personal life.

   Katastrophe (im übertragenen Sinn)

   • The stock market experienced a meltdown after the announcement of the bankruptcy.
   • His emotional meltdown during the meeting surprised everyone.
   • A political meltdown followed the leaked documents.

   Synonymebreakdowncatastrophecollapsecrashcrisisdebacledisasterimplosion

   Antonymeboomrecoverystabilitysuccess