containment unit

Meanings

1. 1nouncountabletechnical

   An enclosed structure built to hold something dangerous so it cannot escape or spread.

   Grammar: Countable: one containment unit, several containment units.

   Patterns

   • a containment unit for something
   • build/install a containment unit

   The lab keeps the bacteria in a sealed containment unit.

   Engineers built a containment unit around the leaking reactor.

   Workers must wear suits before entering the containment unit.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A part of a nuclear power station designed to stop radiation escaping if there is an accident.

   Grammar: Often used with 'reactor' or 'nuclear': the reactor containment unit.

   Patterns

   • the reactor containment unit
   • the containment unit of a plant

   The containment unit survived the earthquake without cracks.

   Inspectors checked the containment unit for radiation leaks.

Word forms

Common combinations

a sealed containment unit

The samples are stored in a sealed containment unit.

the reactor containment unit

Steam was released from the reactor containment unit.

build a containment unit

They plan to build a containment unit next year.

enter a containment unit

Only trained staff may enter a containment unit.

Synonyms and how they differ

containment vessel

Very similar, but 'vessel' stresses the container shape and is common in engineering writing.

isolation chamber

Used more for medical or patient settings than for nuclear or industrial ones.

Word family

contain verb

to keep something inside or under control

containment noun

the act of keeping something dangerous from spreading

Commonly confused: containment unit or container?

Practice

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