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

Example Sentences

The Crown Prince has spoken before about pursuing nuclear weapons, and the regional proliferation risk from civilian enrichment would be significant.

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A Kyodo News report suggests that her government may be considering an end to Japan’s longstanding ban on nuclear weapons on its territory.

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He has deployed nuclear weapons to Belarus and, in recent weeks, tested a nuclear-powered missile and a nuclear-powered submarine drone that he claims are impervious to American defenses.

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What might Iran have achieved—in water and otherwise—had it used the billions that it has squandered on harmful water infrastructure, regional mayhem and pursuit of nuclear weapons to serve the Iranian people instead?

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It had a nuclear weapons programme in the 1970s but gave it up following US pressure.

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Related Words

• atomic bomb 
• hydrogen bomb 
• neutron bomb