kiloton

[kil-uh-tuhn]

noun

1. a unit of weight, equal to 1000 tons. ton.

2. an explosive force equal to that of 1000 tons ton of TNT.

kiloton

/ ˈkɪləʊˌtʌn /

noun

1. one thousand tons

2. an explosive power, esp of a nuclear weapon, equal to the power of 1000 tons of TNT

Word History and Origins

Origin of kiloton¹

First recorded in 1945–50; kilo- + ton ¹

Example Sentences

With cameras rolling, a “small” atomic bomb—fifteen kilotons—detonates in the distance.

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That explosion released energy equivalent to hundreds of kilotons of TNT, reminding scientists that even modestly sized asteroids can have local effects.

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Unlike nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles that can destroy entire cities, tactical nuclear weapons for use against troops on the battlefield are less powerful and can have a yield as small as about 1 kiloton.

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The bomb dropped on Hiroshima was 15 kilotons, and killed upwards of 146,000 people between its immediate impact and after effects.

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The U.S. bomb in Hiroshima in World War II was 15 kilotons.

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