neutron bomb


noun

a nuclear bomb designed to release radiation consisting mainly of neutrons, thus causing extensive loss of life but relatively little damage to buildings and property and only brief radioactive contamination.
Also called neutron radiation weapon, N-bomb.

Origin of neutron bomb

First recorded in 1955–60

British Dictionary definitions for neutron bomb

neutron bomb

noun

a type of nuclear weapon designed to provide a high yield of neutrons but to cause little blast or long-lived radioactive contamination. The neutrons destroy all life in the target area, which theoretically can be entered relatively soon after the attack Technical name: enhanced radiation weapon