atomic bomb

Also at·om bomb
Also

[uh-tom-ik bom]

noun

1. a bomb whose potency is derived from nuclear fission of atoms of fissionable material with the consequent conversion of part of their mass into energy.

2. a bomb whose explosive force comes from a chain reaction based on nuclear fission in U-235 or plutonium.

atomic bomb

noun

1. Also called: A-bomb.  fission bomb. a type of bomb in which the energy is provided by nuclear fission. Uranium-235 and plutonium-239 are the isotopes most commonly used in atomic bombs Compare fusion bomb

atomic bomb

1. A very destructive bomb that derives its explosive power from the fission of atomic nuclei. Atomic bombs usually have plutonium 239 or uranium 235 as their fissionable material.

2. Also called atom bomb

atomic bomb

¹

1. A bomb that is powered by nuclear fission, and therefore produces a quick release of energy and great destruction.

atomic bomb

²

1. A nuclear weapon whose enormous explosive power results from the sudden release of energy from a fission reaction. (See also Hiroshima (see also Hiroshima), hydrogen bomb, Nagasaki, and Strategic Arms Limitation Talks [SALT].)

Word History and Origins

Origin of atomic bomb¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

But then, completely unexpectedly months later, America dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

From BBC

The very next day, in fact, the American newspaper PM, based in New York, ran an article speculating on the catastrophic consequences of an atomic bomb detonating in the heart of that very city.

From Salon

"Even though the war was over, the atomic bomb brought invisible terror."

From BBC

A silent prayer was held in Japan on Wednesday morning as it marked 80 years since the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima.

From BBC

It's been 80 years since the United States detonated 'Little Boy', humanity's first-ever atomic bomb, over the centre of Hiroshima, instantly killing some 70,000 people.

From BBC

Related Words

• atom bomb 
• hydrogen bomb 
• neutron bomb 
• nuclear warhead