any supersonic missile that has a range of at least 3500 nautical miles (6500 km) and follows a ballistic trajectory after a powered, guided launching.
Abbreviation: ICBM, I.C.B.M.
Origin of intercontinental ballistic missile
1955-60
British Dictionary definitions for intercontinental ballistic missiles
intercontinental ballistic missile
/ˌɪntəˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl/
noun
1.
a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory and has the range to carry a nuclear bomb over 5500 km ICBM
intercontinental ballistic missiles in Culture
intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
A missile with a long range (five thousand miles or more) that carries nuclear warheads and can be launched from the ground or from submarines. (See alsoMIRV.)