atom-bomb

atom-bomb [at-uh m-bom] Word Origin verb (used with object)

1. to bomb (a target) with an atomic bomb.

verb (used without object)

2. to atom-bomb a target.

Origin of atom-bomb First recorded in 1940–45 atomic bomb or atom bomb noun

1. 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.
2. a bomb whose explosive force comes from a chain reaction based on nuclear fission in U-235 or plutonium.

Origin of atomic bomb First recorded in 1910–15 Also called A-bomb, fission bomb. atom bomb noun

1. atomic bomb.

Origin of atom bomb First recorded in 1940–45 Related Words for atom-bomb A-bomb, nuke, H-bomb British Dictionary definitions for atom-bomb atomic bomb atom bomb noun

1. 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 bombsAlso called: A-bomb, fission bomb Compare fusion bomb

atom-bomb in Science atomic bomb

1. 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

atom-bomb in Culture 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].)

atomic bomb

A bomb that is powered by nuclear fission, and therefore produces a quick release of energy and great destruction.