thermonuclear

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See also: thermo-nuclear

English[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

thermo- +‎ nuclear

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˌθɜː.məʊˈnjuːk.liː.ə/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˌθɜɹ.moʊˈn(j)uk.li.əɹ/

Adjective[edit]

thermonuclear (not comparable)

  1. Of, or relating to the fusion of atomic nuclei at high temperatures.
    • 1956 May 25, “Chances Of Power Station Use For Hydrogen Bomb”, in The Times, London:
      The first thermonuclear reaction was in a star; it was brought about by heat, as the description implies.
  2. Of, or relating to the use of atomic weapons based on such fusion, especially as distinguished from those based on fission.

Derived terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

Noun[edit]

thermonuclear (plural thermonuclears)

  1. (military) A thermonuclear weapon.
    China detonated her first thermonuclear in June 1967.

Synonyms[edit]

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Further reading[edit]