nuclear weapon
noun
an explosive device whose destructive potential derives from the release of energy that accompanies the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei.
Origin of nuclear weapon
First recorded in 1945–50
Words nearby nuclear weapon
nuclear testing,
nuclear threshold,
nuclear transfer,
nuclear warhead,
nuclear waste,
nuclear weapon,
nuclear winter,
nuclear-free zone,
nuclearism,
nuclearize,
nuclease
Scientific definitions for nuclear weapon
nuclear weapon
A weapon whose destructive power comes from nuclear energy; an atomic bomb or a hydrogen bomb.
Cultural definitions for nuclear weapon
nuclear weapon
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.