intercontinental ballistic missile

noun

1. any supersonic missile that has a range of at least 3500 nautical miles (6,500 km) and follows a ballistic trajectory after a powered, guided launching. ICBM, I.C.B.M.

intercontinental ballistic missile

/ ˌɪntəˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl /

noun

1. ICBM. a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory and has the range to carry a nuclear bomb over 5500 km

intercontinental ballistic missile

1. A missile with a long range (five thousand miles or more) that carries nuclear warheads and can be launched from the ground or from submarines. (See also MIRV.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercontinental ballistic missile¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

She applies a forensic eye to what might happen in a handful of nerve centers if radar picked up an incoming intercontinental ballistic missile headed straight for the Midwest.

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That will require an audit of the regulations around Sentinel, the program for replacing intercontinental ballistic missiles, and eliminating unnecessary and costly barriers to avoid more delays and cost overruns.

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The U.S. had an extensive program on them in the 1950s but abandoned the concept as scientists perfected intercontinental ballistic missiles, which fly far faster and higher.

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But China is not one of them, prohibited by Congress during the Obama era from cooperating with the United States in space after attempting to steal U.S. technology on intercontinental ballistic missiles and thermonuclear weapons.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

By contrast, North Korea has defied all international sanctions to build up a formidable arsenal of nuclear warheads and intercontinental ballistic missiles, enough to make any potential attacker think twice.

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Related Words

• guided missile