Synonyms

nuclear weapon

American

[noo-klee-er wep-uhn, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈwɛp ən, ˈnyu- /

noun

an explosive device whose destructive potential derives from the release of energy that accompanies the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei.

nuclear weapon Scientific

A weapon whose destructive power comes from nuclear energy; an atomic bomb or a hydrogen bomb.

nuclear weapon Cultural

Any weapon that employs a nuclear reaction for its explosive power. Nuclear weapons include ballistic missiles, bombs (see atomic bomb (see also atomic bomb) and hydrogen bomb), artillery rounds, and mines.

Pronunciation

See nuclear ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of nuclear weapon

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the years since his nuclear weapons programme has grown and the regime's iron grip on every aspect of life has shown no signs of loosening.

From BBC

As the nonproliferation expert Andrea Stricker put it, the regime’s clear purpose was “to maintain the means to produce nuclear weapons fuel at a time of its choosing.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The first paragraph of the agreement contained the core of the deal: “Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The area of greatest friction was nuclear weapons.

From BBC

He also gave Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ample chance to strike a deal on nuclear weapons and its missile force, but the ayatollah refused.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023