Main Entry: fall·out

Pronunciation: \ˈfȯl-ˌau̇t\

Function: noun

Date: 1949

1 a : the often radioactive particles stirred up by or resulting from a nuclear explosion and descending through the atmosphere; also : other polluting particles (as volcanic ash) descending likewise b : descent (as of fallout) through the atmosphere
2 : a secondary and often lingering effect, result, or set of consequences <have to take a position and accept the political fallout — Andy Logan>