reprocess

verb

re·​pro·​cess (ˌ)rē-ˈprä-ˌses 

-ˈprō-, 

-səs

reprocessed; reprocessing; reprocesses

transitive verb

: to subject to a special process or treatment in preparation for reuse

especially : to extract uranium and plutonium from (the spent fuel rods of a nuclear reactor) for use again as fuel

Examples of reprocess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The company said all of his original claims have been reprocessed and paid correctly. — Jason Kane, NBC news, 6 May 2026

The key difference lies in the process for converting the fissile material to be bomb usable (chemical reprocessing in the case of plutonium, rather than enrichment, which can be done covertly and in small batches). — Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

During reprocessing, spent nuclear fuel is separated to recover uranium and plutonium to recycle it for use in new fuel. — James Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

During reprocessing, spent nuclear fuel is separated to recover uranium and plutonium to recycle it for use in new fuel. — ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

reprocess

verb

re·​pro·​cess rē-ˈpräs-ˌes 

-ˈprōs-, 

-es

: to subject to a special process or treatment in preparation for reuse