Phrase guide

delayed criticality

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The point at which the prompt neutrons and delayed neutrons produced by a nuclear fission chain reaction, taken together, are just sufficient to sustain the chain reaction (the state of being delayed critical); in this state, changes in reaction power occur slowly, allowing the reaction to be controlled on human timescales, due to the relatively long time delay associated with the emission of the delayed neutrons necessary to maintain the chain reaction.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable, usually

Qualifier: nuclear physics

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Antonyms: none provided

History

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