pentomic

[ pen-tom-ik ]

adjective

, Military.

1. pertaining to or characterizing the organization of an army division into five groups, each with supporting units, geared to maneuver in keeping with the requirements of atomic warfare.

pentomic

/ pɛnˈtɒmɪk /

adjective

1. denoting or relating to the subdivision of an army division into five battle groups, esp for nuclear warfare

Word History and Origins

Origin of pentomic¹

1955–60; pent- ( def ) + (at)omic

Word History and Origins

Origin of pentomic¹

C20: from penta- + atomic

Example Sentences

When Taylor heard that the Army was planning to scrap the mobile 13,700-man "pentomic" divisions he had devised in 1956, the former general complained so bitterly to the President about the trend back toward the 16,000-man divisions of World War II that the plan was promptly shelved.

From Time Magazine Archive

Taking his cue from U.S. experiments, Strauss wants the new German army to be small, highly trained "pentomic" groups, geared to operate independently in the event of atomic war.

From Time Magazine Archive

Adjusting to atomic strategy and tactics, the Army announced a complete reorganization of 18 active divisions along the lines of its 19th, the "pentomic" 101st Airborne Division.

From Time Magazine Archive

Because of the pentomic army's small, mobile and self-sufficient battle groups and the very fluid nature of modern warfare the frequency of units being surrounded, cut off and subsequently captured is very high.

From Project Gutenberg

As civilians you've probably heard so much about the modern pentomic army with its electronic and atomic weapons and all the yak about pushbutton warfare, you figure the infantry is something that should be in the history books with the cavalry.

From Project Gutenberg