meltdown

1. N-VAR If there is meltdown in a nuclear reactor, the fuel rods start melting because of a failure in the system, and radiation starts to escape. (核反应堆的) 堆芯熔毁

Scientists warned that emergency cooling systems could fail and a reactor meltdown could occur. 科学家们警告说紧急冷却系统可能失灵，核反应堆的堆芯熔毁可能会发生。

2. N-UNCOUNT The meltdown of a company, organization, or system is its sudden and complete failure. (公司、机构、系统等的) 突然崩溃[journalism]

Urgent talks are going on to prevent the market going into financial meltdown during the summer. 紧急谈判正在进行中，以防止市场在夏天陷入金融崩溃。