atomic bomb 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. |
A nuclear weapon whose enormous explosive power results from the sudden release of energy from a fission reaction. (See also Hiroshima, hydrogen bomb, Nagasaki, and Strategic Arms Limitation Talks [SALT].)