What is a "meltdown" at a nuclear power plant?

Answer by  liblady (366)

A "meltdown" is non-technical umbrella term, generally meaning any kind of damage to a plant's reactor core. When not properly contained, the radiation released can be devastating.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

A meltdown caused by an overheating core. When something stops the core from being cooled the heat progressively rise. Eventually getting so hot the it melts through its containment area down through the plant into the ground below.

Answer by  rathalosslayer (221)

When the cooling system does not work and the nuclear material gets overheated it is a meltdown and the plant shuts down.