Definition

1. Noun:
   • A thermonuclear weapon of immense destructive power: A hydrogen bomb is a type of nuclear weapon that uses nuclear fusion to release an enormous amount of energy, far greater than that of an atomic (fission) bomb. Its explosive power is measured in megatons.

Usage

• The term "hydrogen bomb" is used to describe a specific class of weapon in military, political, historical, and scientific contexts.
• It is often abbreviated as H-bomb.
• It is contrasted with the earlier atomic bomb (or A-bomb), which relies on nuclear fission.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The first hydrogen bomb was tested by the United States in 1952.
  • The treaty aimed to limit the proliferation of hydrogen bombs.
  • The sheer destructive potential of a hydrogen bomb is difficult to comprehend.

Advanced Usage

• "Thermonuclear bomb": This is a more precise technical synonym for a hydrogen bomb, emphasizing that the fusion reaction requires extremely high temperatures to initiate.
  • The country's arsenal includes both fission and thermonuclear bombs.

Variants and Related Words

• H-bomb (n): A common abbreviation for "hydrogen bomb."
• Thermonuclear weapon (n): The formal technical term for a weapon like the hydrogen bomb that uses fusion.
• Fusion bomb (n): Another term highlighting the fusion process at its core.

Synonyms

• Thermonuclear bomb: A weapon deriving its energy from the fusion of light nuclei.
• Fusion weapon: A device that employs nuclear fusion reactions.

Related Phrases

• Nuclear arms race: The competition between nations for superiority in nuclear weapons, including hydrogen bombs.
• Mutually assured destruction (MAD): A doctrine of military strategy where the full-scale use of hydrogen bombs by two opposing sides would result in the annihilation of both.

Noun

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