atomic bomb

noun

1

: a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of energy resulting from the splitting of nuclei of a heavy chemical element (such as plutonium or uranium) by neutrons in a very rapid chain reaction

called also atom bomb

2

: a nuclear weapon (such as a hydrogen bomb)

Examples of atomic bomb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some married for love, but many were driven by fear of another atomic bomb or a bleak future in a shattered country. —Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024

As Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Charles Oppenheimer, grandson of J. Robert Oppenheimer, discussed the similarities and differences between the current AI moment and the events that led to the creation of the atomic bomb in 1945, the room stood still. —Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

The process to build and test an atomic bomb may take years, leaving Iran vulnerable to Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities. —Mostafa Salem, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024

Storms like Milton radiate the energy of dozens of atomic bombs every hour. —Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

atomic bomb

noun

1

: a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of energy resulting from the splitting of nuclei of a heavy chemical element (as plutonium or uranium) by neutrons

called also atom bomb

2

: hydrogen bomb