meltdown /ˈmɛltˌdaʊn/

• 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

  例：

  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]

  例：

  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。