fallout

[fawl-out] /ˈfɔlˌaʊt/
noun
1.
the settling to the ground of airborne particles ejected into the atmosphere from the earth by explosions, eruptions, forest fires, etc., especially such settling from nuclear explosions (radioactive fallout)
Compare rainout.
2.
the particles themselves.
Compare rainout.
3.
an unexpected or incidental effect, outcome, or product:
the psychological fallout of being obese.
4.
effects; results:
emotional fallout from a divorce.
Also, fall-out.
Origin
1945-50; noun use of verb phrase fall out
Examples from the web for fallout
  • Thus with a steadily decreasing radioactivity fallout the dose rate was not dangerous at all.
  • The collected fallout was measured daily for the amount of gross beta radioactivity present.
  • Tells about the fallout, both in human terms and legally, surrounding the research into her linguistic abilities.
  • That's not to say that the economy has suffered no fallout from the subprime collapse.
  • But let's be honest, fear over fan fallout-or losing the coach to another suitor-is really what's at play.
  • Polar bears are indirectly suffering the fallout from global oil dependence.
  • The high seasonal humidity in many of the region's cities would act to trap fallout and intensify its effects.
  • Many scientists believe the fallout from the impact killed the dinosaurs.
  • As radioactive fallout spreads, nearby forests are decimated.
  • Among the likely fallout is the loss of unique plants and animals.
British Dictionary definitions for fallout

fallout

/ˈfɔːlˌaʊt/
noun
1.
the descent of solid material in the atmosphere onto the earth, esp of radioactive material following a nuclear explosion
2.
any solid particles that so descend
3.
(informal) side-effects; secondary consequences
verb (intransitive, adverb)
4.
(informal) to quarrel or disagree
5.
(intransitive) to happen or occur
6.
(military) to leave a parade or disciplinary formation
sentence substitute
7.
(military) the order to leave a parade or disciplinary formation
Word Origin and History for fallout
n.

"radioactive particles," 1950, from fall (v.) + out (adv.).

Slang definitions & phrases for fallout

fallout

noun
  1. An accompanying or resultant effect of something; an aftermath: Talking to oneself is a fallout of watching too many primaries on TV
  2. Incidental products, esp when copious and of little value: reports, memoranda, and other printed fallout from the executive suite

[1950s+; fr the radioactive dust and other debris of a nuclear explosion]