meltdown

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmɛltdaʊn/

noun

  • 1a disastrous collapse or breakdown: the global financial system suffered a major meltdown
  • informal an uncontrolled emotional outburst or a mental collapse: the story will revolve around her meltdown following the accident
  • 2an accident in a nuclear reactor in which the fuel overheats and melts the reactor core or shielding.