kiloton

[ kil-uh-tuhn ]

noun

1. a unit of weight, equal to 1000 tons. ton.
2. an explosive force equal to that of 1000 tons ton of TNT.

kiloton

/ ˈkɪləʊˌtʌn /

noun

1. one thousand tons
2. an explosive power, esp of a nuclear weapon, equal to the power of 1000 tons of TNT

Word History and Origins

Origin of kiloton¹

First recorded in 1945–50; kilo- + ton ¹

Example Sentences

In theory, the Eitan could deliver a small (kiloton-range) nuclear warhead.

From The Daily Beast

Jumbo survived the approximately 20 kiloton Trinity blast undamaged, but its supporting 70-foot tall steel tower was flattened.

From Project Gutenberg

The 19 kiloton explosion not only led to a quick end to the war in the Pacific but also ushered the world into the atomic age.

From Project Gutenberg