Definition

1. Noun:
   • A unit of mass equal to one million tons: "Megaton" is a measurement of weight, specifically one million tons.
   • A unit of explosive energy: In the context of nuclear weapons or large explosions, "megaton" is a measure of energy release, equivalent to the explosive force of one million tons of TNT.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Mass):

  • The asteroid was estimated to have a mass of several megatons.
  • The shipment of ore weighed over two megatons.

• Noun (Explosive Yield):

  • The hydrogen bomb had a yield of 15 megatons.
  • Scientists measure the power of large volcanic eruptions in megatons of TNT equivalent.

Advanced Usage

• "Megatonnage": The total explosive power, measured in megatons, of a collection of nuclear weapons.
  • The treaty aimed to reduce the total megatonnage of the nations' nuclear arsenals.

Variants and Related Words

• Kiloton (n): A unit of explosive energy equal to one thousand tons of TNT.
  • The first atomic bombs had yields measured in kilotons.

Synonyms

• MT: An abbreviation for megaton.
• Million tons: The literal description of the mass unit.

Related Phrases

• "Megaton blast": An explosion with a force measured in megatons.
  • The simulation showed the effects of a one-megaton blast on the city.

Noun

1. one million tons
2. a measure of explosive power (of an atomic weapon) equal to that of one million tons of TNT