nuclear weapon

noun

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

Origin

1945-50

nuclear weapons in Science

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

nuclear weapons in Culture

nuclear weapon definition

Any weapon that employs a nuclear reaction for its explosive power. Nuclear weapons include ballistic missiles, bombs (see atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb), artillery rounds, and mines.