Definition

1. Noun:
   • A thermonuclear weapon: An extremely powerful nuclear bomb that derives its energy from the fusion of hydrogen isotopes (deuterium and tritium) at extremely high temperatures, releasing vast amounts of energy. It is also known as a hydrogen bomb.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The development of the h-bomb marked a significant escalation in the arms race.
  • Scientists explained the immense destructive power of an h-bomb compared to earlier atomic weapons.

Advanced Usage

• "H-bomb" vs. "A-bomb": While an "A-bomb" (atomic bomb) relies on nuclear fission, an "h-bomb" uses a fission reaction to trigger a much more powerful fusion reaction.
  • The first successful test of an h-bomb demonstrated a yield far greater than any previous A-bomb.

Variants and Related Words

• Hydrogen bomb (n): The full, formal term for an h-bomb.
  • The treaty aimed to limit the testing of hydrogen bombs.
• Thermonuclear weapon (n): A technical synonym for a hydrogen bomb.
  • The country claimed to have developed a new generation of thermonuclear weapons.
• Fusion bomb (n): Another term emphasizing the fusion process central to the weapon's function.

Synonyms

• Hydrogen bomb: The standard synonym.
• Thermonuclear bomb: A more technical synonym.
• Fusion weapon: A term highlighting the underlying nuclear fusion reaction.

Related Phrases

• H-bomb test (noun phrase): A trial detonation of a hydrogen bomb.
  • The environmental impact of the h-bomb test was severe.
• To drop an h-bomb (verb phrase): To deploy a hydrogen bomb from an aircraft.
  • The strategic doctrine considered the scenario of having to drop an h-bomb.

Related Idioms

• (To be) like an h-bomb (simile): Used informally to describe something as having a sudden, overwhelming, and devastating impact, often figuratively.
  • His resignation hit the company like an h-bomb.

Noun

1. a nuclear weapon that releases atomic energy by union of light (hydrogen) nuclei at high temperatures to form helium