zero-energyhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zero-energy_adj%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezero-energy, adj.
Revised 2018

zero-energyadjective

Nuclear Physics.
  1. 1947–
    Designating a small nuclear reactor, built for research purposes, that develops so little power that no cooling and minimal shielding are required; = zero-power adj.
    1. 1947
      The ZEEP got its name from the initials of the words ‘zero energy experimental pile’.
      Bulletin of Atomic Scientists November 327/2
    2. 1981
      Fast neutron fluence measurements in the core of a zero-energy research reactor.
      Nuclear Energy vol. 20 467
    3. 2014
      For a zero energy or low energy reactor it should be designed from the outset so that it would be difficult to increase the neutron flux.
      Progress Nuclear Energy vol. 77 207/2

Originally published as part of the entry for zero, n. & adj.

zero, n. & adj. was revised in June 2018.