hydrogen bomb

[ hahy-druh-juhn bom ]

noun

1. a bomb, more powerful than an atomic bomb, that derives its explosive energy from the thermonuclear fusion reaction of hydrogen isotopes.

hydrogen bomb

noun

1. a type of bomb in which energy is released by fusion of hydrogen nuclei to give helium nuclei. The energy required to initiate the fusion is provided by the detonation of an atomic bomb, which is surrounded by a hydrogen-containing substance such as lithium deuteride Also calledH-bomb See also fusion bomb

hydrogen bomb

1. An extremely destructive bomb whose explosive power is derived from the energy released when hydrogen atoms are fused to form helium. This atomic fusion reaction is the same reaction that takes place in stars like the Sun, where the pressure of gravity forces hydrogen atoms to fuse; a hydrogen bomb uses the force of an atomic explosion (the fission reaction exploited in atomic bombs ) to compress the hydrogen to the point where fusion takes place. Hydrogen bombs are many times more powerful than atomic bombs.

hydrogen bomb

1. A nuclear weapon with enormous explosive power, fueled by nuclear fusion , in which atoms of hydrogen combine to form atoms of helium .

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrogen bomb¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

If Oppenheimer had reservations about the atomic bomb, he was driven to despair over the prospect of the hydrogen bomb, or, as it was called then, the Super.

From Los Angeles Times

Part of him longs for the spotlight and would enjoy being strapped to the back of a hydrogen bomb as it is dropped on an unsuspecting countryside.

From Salon

The first was the invention of thermonuclear weapons, also called “hydrogen bombs” or “H-bombs.”

From Salon

In 2017, Pyongyang claimed it had successfully created a miniaturised hydrogen bomb designed to fit inside its missiles - a major step in its nuclear ambitions.

From BBC

Sakharov, who died in 1989, was a key figure in developing the Soviet Union’s hydrogen bomb program but later become renowned for his activism in promoting human rights and freedom of conscience.

From Washington Times