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

Western security agencies say these funds are used to finance North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile development programs.

From BBC

Both the UK and the US have warned that Russia has been developing the capability to put nuclear weapons in space.

From BBC

There were also prominent retired generals like Lee Butler and James Cartwright who called for sharp reductions in, or the total elimination of, all nuclear weapons globally, including the American arsenal.

From Salon

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted last week that the country had no intention of developing nuclear weapons, and condemned the re-imposition of international sanctions as "unfair, unjust, and illegal".

From BBC

Iran strongly insists it is not seeking nuclear weapons, and that its programme is solely a civilian one.

From BBC

Related Words

• atomic bomb 
• hydrogen bomb 
• neutron bomb