megaton

[ meg-uh-tuhn ]

noun

1. one million tons. ton.
2. an explosive force equal to that of one million tons ton of TNT, as that of atomic or hydrogen bombs. : MT

megaton

/ ˈmɛɡəˌtʌn; ˌmɛɡəˈtɒnɪk /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• megatonic, adjective

Other Words From

• meg·a·ton·ic [meg-, uh, -, ton, -ik], adjective
• multi·mega·ton noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of megaton¹

First recorded in 1950–55; mega- + ton ¹

Example Sentences

"Interestingly, ecosystems within the park boundary pull around 1.5 megatons of carbon from the atmosphere each year," Smith said.

From Science Daily

A megaton is the equivalent of a million tons of TNT, and China plans to use them against U.S. cities in the case of an open conflict.

From Washington Times

Every year, krill remove as much as 23 megatons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, according to new research published by the World Wildlife Fund.

From Seattle Times

In this way, krill remove as much as 23 megatons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year, according to new research published by the World Wildlife Fund.

From Seattle Times

The global CO2 release from rock organic carbon weathering was found to be 68 megatons of carbon per year.

From Science Daily