kiloton

American  

[kil-uh-tuhn] / ˈkɪl əˌtʌn /

noun

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

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

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kiloton British  

/ ˈkɪləʊˌtʌn /

noun

1. one thousand tons

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

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Etymology

Origin of kiloton

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

Compare meaning

How does kiloton compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• megaton vs. kiloton

Example Sentences

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.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2024

But it has been 30 years since most Americans have talked about nuclear deterrence, the difference between tactical and strategic weapons and what havoc a 10 kiloton bomb can trigger versus a 100 kiloton one.

From New York Times • Oct. 9, 2022

Most nuclear weapons today are variable-yield, or “dial-a-yield,” providing a set amount of explosive power that can range from fractions of a kiloton to multiples of a megaton.

From Scientific American • Mar. 10, 2022

The old B61 bombs had the explosive power of 1 megaton; the new ones have “dial-a-yield” options, ranging from 340 kilotons down to a fraction of a kiloton.

From Slate • Oct. 22, 2019

"Wouldn't take as much as a kiloton equivalent, would it?"

From The Galaxy Primes by Smith, E. E. (Edward Elmer)