slightly-enriched uranium

English

Noun

slightly-enriched uranium (uncountable)

1. (nuclear physics) Enriched uranium with 0.9-2% uranium-235, requiring a special moderator with very low neutron absorption (such as heavy water or high-purity graphite) in order to be able to sustain a nuclear fission chain reaction. Used to increase power output and efficiency in a few types of nuclear reactors capable of running on natural uranium, and for downblending of highly-enriched uranium from decommissioned nuclear weapons into low-enriched uranium suitable for use in commercial power reactors.

Alternative forms

• slightly enriched uranium

Synonyms

• SEU

Coordinate terms

• depleted uranium
• natural uranium
• low-enriched uranium
• highly-enriched uranium