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
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These flares are often associated with solar magnetic storms known as coronal mass ejections and can sometimes be as strong as a billion hydrogen bombs. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 June 2025 Today, hydrogen bombs have replaced atom bombs in most arsenals, creating a world of uneasy standoffs among nuclear foes. William J. Broad, New York Times, 19 May 2025 In 1961, a B-52 on airborne alert broke apart in midair, dropping two Mark 39 hydrogen bombs near Goldsboro, North Carolina. Gregory D. Koblentz, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2013 Richard Garwin was a leading architect of America’s hydrogen bomb. German Lopez, New York Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hydrogen bomb

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrogen bomb was in 1947

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Cite this Entry

“Hydrogen bomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogen%20bomb. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

hydrogen bomb

noun
: a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of atomic energy when hydrogen nuclei unite

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