thermonuclear

adj, noun — 3 senses

thermonuclear

adj

UK /ˌθɜː.məʊˈnjuːk.liː.ə/ · US /ˌθɜɹ.moʊˈn(j)uk.li.əɹ/

Etymology From thermo- + nuclear.

1

Of, or relating to the fusion of atomic nuclei at high temperatures.

The first thermonuclear reaction was in a star; it was brought about by heat, as the description implies.1956 May 25, “Chances Of Power Station Use For Hydrogen Bomb”, in The Times, London:

2

Of, or relating to the use of atomic weapons based on such fusion, especially as distinguished from those based on fission.

I can't believe you gave me, a ten-year-old boy, a thermonuclear device [...]2021 January 30, ISP, quoting iSorrowproductions, Beating Fallout 3 But Every Enemy Has A NUKE - Every Enemy Has A Fat Man Mod:

Derived terms: nonthermonuclear, thermonuclear bomb, thermonuclearly, thermonuclear war, thermonuclear weapon

thermonuclear

noun

Etymology From thermo- + nuclear.

1

Government, Military, Politics, War A thermonuclear weapon.

China detonated her first thermonuclear in June 1967.

Synonyms: hydrogen bomb, H-bomb
Related terms: pycnonuclear

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.