nuclear weapon

American  

[noo-klee-er wep-uhn, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈwɛp ən, ˈnyu- /

noun

1. an explosive device whose destructive potential derives from the release of energy that accompanies the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei.

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nuclear weapon Scientific  

1. A weapon whose destructive power comes from nuclear energy; an atomic bomb or a hydrogen bomb.

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nuclear weapon Cultural  

1. Any weapon that employs a nuclear reaction for its explosive power. Nuclear weapons include ballistic missiles, bombs (see atomic bomb (see also atomic bomb) and hydrogen bomb), artillery rounds, and mines.

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Pronunciation

See nuclear ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of nuclear weapon

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Any war in which any party involved possesses nuclear weapons multiples this risk — yet we hardly talk about that risk, except in the context of a popular video game series turned Prime Video show.

From Salon

New Zealand has a formal military alliance with Australia, but had a falling-out with the U.S. when New Zealand took a stance against nuclear weapons in its territory in the 1980s.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The president has made it clear that you will not have a nuclear weapon. The War Department agrees,” Hegseth said.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the two sides had reached 15 points of agreement, including that Iran will not have or develop nuclear weapons in the future.

From Los Angeles Times

He said Iran was agreeing not to pursue nuclear weapons.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• atomic bomb
• hydrogen bomb
• neutron bomb