atomic pile

Etymology
From the fact that, was literally constituted by a tall  of graphite moderator blocks. Compare also, a traditional improvised kiln used in charcoal making, which uses a similar basic design to contain a volatile process. The fact that English also is related to  (with senses of a collection of components and a power source, often both coinstantiated) has also been noted as an interesting nexus of word roots and semantic themes.

Noun

 * 1)  An early nuclear reactor fueled by uranium and moderated with graphite.
 * 2) * 1948 The second atomic pile at the Government's research establishment at Harwell is expected to be brought into use this summer – The Times (London), May 11 1948, pg 2 col A

Related terms

 * nuclear stockpile

Translations

 * Danish:
 * Estonian:
 * Hungarian:, , ,