fallout

or fall-out

[ fawl-out ]
/ ˈfɔlˌaʊt /

noun

the settling to the ground of airborne particles ejected into the atmosphere from the earth by explosions, eruptions, forest fires, etc., especially such settling from nuclear explosions (radioactive fallout). Compare rainout.
the particles themselves. Compare rainout.
an unexpected or incidental effect, outcome, or product: the psychological fallout of being obese.
effects; results: emotional fallout from a divorce.

Origin of fallout

First recorded in 1945–50; noun use of verb phrase fall out

Example sentences from the Web for fallout

British Dictionary definitions for fallout

fallout
/ (ˈfɔːlˌaʊt) /

noun

the descent of solid material in the atmosphere onto the earth, esp of radioactive material following a nuclear explosion
any solid particles that so descend
informal side-effects; secondary consequences

verb fall out (intr, adverb)

sentence substitute

military the order to leave a parade or disciplinary formation