atom-bomb
[ at-uh m-bom ]
/ ˈæt əmˈbɒm /
verb (used with object)
to bomb (a target) with an atomic bomb.
verb (used without object)
to atom-bomb a target.
Origin of atom-bomb
First recorded in 1940–45
Words nearby atom-bomb
atoll,
atom,
atom bomb,
atom smasher,
atom trap,
atom-bomb,
atomic,
atomic age,
atomic bomb,
atomic clock,
atomic cocktail
Definition for atom-bomb (2 of 3)
atomic bomb
or atom bomb
noun
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.
a bomb whose explosive force comes from a chain reaction based on nuclear fission in U-235 or plutonium.
Also called
A-bomb,
fission bomb.
Origin of atomic bomb
First recorded in 1910–15
Definition for atom-bomb (3 of 3)
Origin of atom bomb
First recorded in 1940–45
British Dictionary definitions for atom-bomb
atomic bomb
atom bomb
noun
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
Also called: A-bomb, fission bomb Compare fusion bomb
Scientific definitions for atom-bomb
atomic bomb
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. Also called atom bomb
Cultural definitions for atom-bomb (1 of 2)
atomic bomb
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].)