airburst

[air-burst]

noun

1. the explosion of a bomb or shell in midair.

airburst

/ ˈɛəˌbɜːst /

noun

1. the explosion of a bomb, shell, etc, in the air

Word History and Origins

Origin of airburst¹

First recorded in 1915–20; air ¹ + burst

Example Sentences

Boslough notes that the same pattern would likely occur if a similar airburst happened over New Mexico.

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By comparison, objects measuring around 20 meters across -- such as the one that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013 -- can generate powerful airbursts capable of damaging buildings and injuring people with shockwaves.

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The airburst flattened trees and straw huts, splashing meltglass onto cereals and grains, as well as on the early buildings, tools and animal bones found in the mound -- and most likely on people, too.

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The airburst virtually leveled the city and surrounding area.

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On the other hand, Jackson’s own overwrought opposition, much like airbursts in a night battle, actually called attention to the issues the Quakers wished to raise.

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