conventional weapon

American  

noun

1. a nonnuclear weapon.

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Etymology

Origin of conventional weapon

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Zelenskiy criticised Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's suggestion in calls to Western counterparts that Ukraine might be preparing to use a "dirty bomb" in the current conflict -- a conventional weapon laced with nuclear materials.

From Reuters

The reality, though, was that while the blast might be smaller than a conventional weapon would produce, the radioactivity would be long-lasting.

From New York Times

U.N. disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu, who briefed the council, said there have been “widespread and independently verified reports of the transfer of major conventional weapon systems to local armed groups in Ukraine, including artillery rocket systems.”

From Seattle Times

Russia has thermobaric warheads, a fearsome conventional weapon nicknamed the Heatwave, which send shock waves into bunkers and trenches.

From New York Times

“They have no plan to replace it with either a nuclear or conventional weapon and readily admit that they are assuming risk in this space,” the aide said.

From Washington Times