air-burst

An air-burst scatters leaflets over the wide field.

Definition

Noun - Explosion in the atmosphere: "air-burst" refers to the detonation of a bomb, projectile, or other explosive device in the air, rather than on contact with the ground or water. It is typically used in military contexts to describe a type of explosion that occurs above the surface.

Usage Examples

• (The shell exploded in the air for greater effect.)
• (The explosion occurs at a height above the ground.)

Advanced Usage

• "air-burst fuse": a device that triggers an explosion at a predetermined altitude.
  • The missile was equipped with an air-burst fuse to destroy aerial targets. (The fuse detonates the warhead in the air.)
• "air-burst effect": the specific destructive or tactical outcome of an explosion in the atmosphere.
  • The air-burst effect of the cluster bomb scattered submunitions over a wide area. (The explosion in the air spread the bomblets.)

Variants and Related Words

• Airburst (noun, alternative spelling): same meaning as "air-burst."
  • The airburst of the firework created a brilliant pattern in the sky. (The explosion in the air.)

Synonyms

• Aerial explosion: an explosion occurring in the air.
• Atmospheric detonation: a detonation taking place within the atmosphere.

Related Idioms