atomic bomb

[ uh-tom-ik bom ]

noun

1. a bomb whose potency is derived from nuclear fission of atoms of fissionable material with the consequent conversion of part of their mass into energy.
2. a bomb whose explosive force comes from a chain reaction based on nuclear fission in U-235 or plutonium.

atomic bomb

noun

1. a type of bomb in which the energy is provided by nuclear fission. Uranium-235 and plutonium-239 are the isotopes most commonly used in atomic bombs Also calledA-bombfission bomb Compare fusion bomb

atomic bomb

1. A very destructive bomb that derives its explosive power from the fission of atomic nuclei. Atomic bombs usually have plutonium 239 or uranium 235 as their fissionable material.
2. Also called atom bomb

atomic bomb

¹

1. A bomb that is powered by nuclear fission , and therefore produces a quick release of energy and great destruction.

atomic bomb

²

1. A nuclear weapon whose enormous explosive power results from the sudden release of energy from a fission reaction. ( See also Hiroshima (see also Hiroshima ), hydrogen bomb , Nagasaki , and Strategic Arms Limitation Talks [ SALT ].)

Word History and Origins

Origin of atomic bomb¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

When John Folkes was 19 years old, he was on board a plane ordered to fly through four atomic bomb mushroom clouds.

From BBC

Musk has long belittled fuel-cell vehicles and Trump has often talked about hydrogen cars blowing up like an “atomic bomb.”

From Los Angeles Times

For George Harrison, the November 1970 release of "All Things Must Pass" possessed all the subtlety of an atomic bomb.

From Salon

Seventy years earlier, the Enola Gay — the B-29 super fortress that dropped an atomic bomb on Japan — was built inside these walls.

From Los Angeles Times

On a basic level, this makes sense: By that point, the Line fire had already released more energy into the atmosphere than a dozen atomic bombs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• atom bomb
• hydrogen bomb
• neutron bomb
• nuclear warhead