View synonyms for

nuclear weapon

[ noo-klee-er wep-uhn, nyoo- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an explosive device whose destructive potential derives from the release of energy that accompanies the splitting or combining of atomic nuclei.

nuclear weapon

A weapon whose destructive power comes from nuclear energy; an atomic bomb or a hydrogen bomb.

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.

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Pronunciation Note

See nuclear ( def ).

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Word History and Origins

Origin of nuclear weapon¹

First recorded in 1945–50

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

People living near a US airbase earmarked to house nuclear weapons say they are being left in the dark about what would happen in the event of a radiation alert.

From

He said it did too little to stop Iran's potential pathway to a nuclear weapon and reinstated US sanctions as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign to compel Iran to negotiate a new deal.

From

The NPT lets countries use non-military nuclear technology - such as for medicine, agriculture and energy - but does not permit the development of nuclear weapons.

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Trump disclosed the upcoming talks during a visit to the White House on Monday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said on Tuesday that both leaders had agreed "Iran will not have nuclear weapons".

From

�� they have to negotiate remains unspoken since Trump – like other presidents before him – believes Iran shouldn’t have a nuclear weapon.

From

Related Words

nuclear waste nuclear weapon state

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