airburst

[ air-burst ]

noun

1. the explosion of a bomb or shell in midair.

airburst

/ ˈɛəˌbɜːst /

noun

1. the explosion of a bomb, shell, etc, in the air

Word History and Origins

Origin of airburst¹

First recorded in 1915–20; air ¹ + burst

Example Sentences

The airburst flattened trees and straw huts, splashing meltglass onto cereals and grains, as well as on the early buildings, tools and animal bones found in the mound -- and most likely on people, too.

From Science Daily

The airburst virtually leveled the city and surrounding area.

From Scientific American

On the other hand, Jackson’s own overwrought opposition, much like airbursts in a night battle, actually called attention to the issues the Quakers wished to raise.

From Literature

Shrapnel from an airburst shell, detonated at programmable heights, can kill infantry across 2½ acres.

From Washington Post

That leaves his group where it was before the discovery of Hiawatha: arguing the Younger Dryas trigger was an airburst rather than a body slamming into the ground.

From Science Magazine