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kiloton

[ kil-uh-tuhn ]
/ ˈkɪl əˌtʌn /
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noun
a unit of weight, equal to 1000 tons.
an explosive force equal to that of 1000 tons of TNT.

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Origin of kiloton

First recorded in 1945–50; kilo- + ton1

Words nearby kiloton

kilolitre, kilomegacycle, kilometer, kilometre, kiloparsec, kiloton, kilovolt, kilovoltage, kilovolt-ampere, kilowatt, kilowatt-hour
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use kiloton in a sentence

  • In theory, the Eitan could deliver a small (kiloton-range) nuclear warhead.

    The Need for New Nuclear Weapons|Stephen L. Carter|April 7, 2010|DAILY BEAST

  • Jumbo survived the approximately 20 kiloton Trinity blast undamaged, but its supporting 70-foot tall steel tower was flattened.

    Trinity [Atomic Test] Site|The National Atomic Museum

  • The 19 kiloton explosion not only led to a quick end to the war in the Pacific but also ushered the world into the atomic age.

    Trinity [Atomic test] Site|White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Office

British Dictionary definitions for kiloton

kiloton
/ (ˈkɪləʊˌtʌn) /
noun
one thousand tons
an explosive power, esp of a nuclear weapon, equal to the power of 1000 tons of TNT
Abbreviation: kt
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
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