German word

Atomkraft

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈtoːmˌkʁaft/

Meaning

  • feminine nounnuclear power

Example

Viele Menschen protestieren gegen die Atomkraft.

Many people are protesting against nuclear power.

Illustration for Atomkraft (nuclear power)

More examples

Atomkraft liefert in vielen Ländern einen Teil der Grundversorgung.

Nuclear power provides part of the basic supply in many countries.

Core concept

Energy released when atomic nuclei split or join, with the resulting heat often used to produce electricity.

Common phrases

  • Ausstieg aus der Atomkraft

    phase-out of nuclear power

  • Proteste gegen Atomkraft

    protests against nuclear power

Similar words

Kernenergie: Energy produced by reactions in atomic nuclei, used in formal technical contexts.
Kernkraft: Energy from atomic nuclei, commonly used in everyday speech.

Definition in German

Energie, die durch Kernspaltung oder Kernfusion in Atomkernen erzeugt wird.

Word origin

Atomkraft is a compound of Atom, from Greek atomos via scientific Latin, and Kraft, an inherited Germanic noun meaning force or power.

Usage tips

  • Atomkraft is feminine, so the definite article is die, as in gegen die Atomkraft.

Opposites

  • Erneuerbare Energienrenewable energynoun

Related words

  • Atomkraftwerknuclear power plantnoun
  • Atomkraftgegneropponent of nuclear powernoun

Word lists with this word