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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
In 1952: The United States tested the first hydrogen bomb on the Eniwetok atoll in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in a blast equivalent to 10.4 megatons of TNT, hundreds of times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
—Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024
The Castle Bravo hydrogen bomb test on March 1, 1954, produced an explosion equivalent to 15 megatons of TNT, more than 2.5 times what scientists had expected.
—Amanda Kennell, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2024
The character was born of the paranoia inspired by the 1954 hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll, and continues to act as a potent vehicle for metaphorical horror in hit contemporary renditions like Godzilla Minus One.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 18 Sep. 2024
On this day in 1953: The Soviet Union detonated its first hydrogen bomb, in Kazakhstan.
—The Arizona Republic, 12 Aug. 2024
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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 21 Nov. 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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