neutron bomb

noun

1. a nuclear bomb designed to release radiation consisting mainly of neutrons, thus causing extensive loss of life but relatively little damage to buildings and property and only brief radioactive contamination.

neutron bomb

noun

1. a type of nuclear weapon designed to provide a high yield of neutrons but to cause little blast or long-lived radioactive contamination. The neutrons destroy all life in the target area, which theoretically can be entered relatively soon after the attack Technical nameenhanced radiation weapon

Word History and Origins

Origin of neutron bomb¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Apparently, the moral debate in the 1970s over the neutron bomb passed them by.

From The Daily Beast

But car dealerships look like post-apocalyptic empty shells that survived a neutron bomb.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• atom bomb
• hydrogen bomb
• nuclear warhead