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definitions

atom-bomb

[at-uh m-bom]
verb (used with object)
  1. to bomb (a target) with an atomic bomb.
verb (used without object)
  1. to atom-bomb a target.

Origin of atom-bomb

First recorded in 1940–45

atomic bomb

or atom bomb

noun
  1. a bomb whose potency is derived from nuclear fission of atoms of fissionable material with the consequent conversion of part of their mass into energy.
  2. a bomb whose explosive force comes from a chain reaction based on nuclear fission in U-235 or plutonium.

Origin of atomic bomb

First recorded in 1910–15
Also called A-bomb, fission bomb.

atom bomb

noun
  1. atomic bomb.

Origin of atom bomb

First recorded in 1940–45
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for atom-bomb

A-bomb, nuke, H-bomb
British Dictionary definitions for atom-bomb

atomic bomb

atom bomb

noun
  1. a type of bomb in which the energy is provided by nuclear fission. Uranium-235 and plutonium-239 are the isotopes most commonly used in atomic bombsAlso called: A-bomb, fission bomb Compare fusion bomb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
atom-bomb in Science

atomic bomb

  1. A very destructive bomb that derives its explosive power from the fission of atomic nuclei. Atomic bombs usually have plutonium 239 or uranium 235 as their fissionable material. Also called atom bomb
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
atom-bomb in Culture

atomic bomb

A nuclear weapon whose enormous explosive power results from the sudden release of energy from a fission reaction. (See also Hiroshima (see also Hiroshima), hydrogen bomb, Nagasaki, and Strategic Arms Limitation Talks [SALT].)

atomic bomb

A bomb that is powered by nuclear fission, and therefore produces a quick release of energy and great destruction.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.