nuclear weapon

[noo-klee-er wep-uhn, nyoo-]

noun

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

nuclear weapon

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

nuclear weapon

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.

Pronunciation Note

See nuclear ( def. ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuclear weapon¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Related Words

• atomic bomb 
• hydrogen bomb 
• neutron bomb