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hydrogen bomb
noun
: a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of atomic energy resulting from the fusion of light nuclei (as of hydrogen atoms) at very high temperature and pressure to form helium nuclei
Examples of hydrogen bomb in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This lingering contamination came from nuclear weapon detonations, including hydrogen bombs, and accidents at numerous sites around the world.
—Tara Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024
The previous resident of their house was a rocket topped with a four-megaton hydrogen bomb.
—James A. Fussell, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2024
Thermonuclear bombs, also known as hydrogen bombs, are much, much larger in explosive yield than traditional nuclear weapons, and introduced the megaton into the lexicon of military planners.
—Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 25 July 2023
Instead, radiological weapons lost traction—and budgetary support—in Washington, Moscow, and London as policymakers in those capitals placed a greater emphasis on developing nuclear weapons, especially hydrogen bombs.
—William C. Potter, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2023
See all Example Sentences for hydrogen bomb
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hydrogen bomb.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1947, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near hydrogen bomb
Cite this Entry
“Hydrogen bomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogen%20bomb. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
hydrogen bomb
noun
: a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of atomic energy when hydrogen nuclei unite
More from Merriam-Webster on hydrogen bomb
Nglish: Translation of hydrogen bomb for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hydrogen bomb
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