intercontinental ballistic missile


noun

any supersonic missile that has a range of at least 3500 nautical miles (6500 km) and follows a ballistic trajectory after a powered, guided launching. Abbreviation: ICBM, I.C.B.M.

Origin of intercontinental ballistic missile

First recorded in 1955–60

Words nearby intercontinental ballistic missile

British Dictionary definitions for intercontinental ballistic missile

intercontinental ballistic missile
/ (ˌɪntəˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl) /

noun

a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory and has the range to carry a nuclear bomb over 5500 km Abbreviation: ICBM

Cultural definitions for intercontinental ballistic missile

intercontinental ballistic missile

A missile with a long range (five thousand miles or more) that carries nuclear warheads and can be launched from the ground or from submarines. (See also MIRV.)