Crossword Genius

Churchman penning article that generates much heat (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reactor

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'much heat' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'churchman penning article' is the wordplay.
'churchman' becomes 'rector' (I've seen this before).
'penning' indicates putting letters inside.
'article' becomes 'a' (the indefinite article in English).
'rector' enclosing 'a' is 'REACTOR'.

'that generates' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reactor that I've seen before include "Producer of nuclear energy" , "one hosting moderator?" , "(Nuclear) powerplant" , "Nuclear installation" , "Device to produce energy by nuclear fission" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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