thermonuclear

Etymology

thermo- + nuclear

adj

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

noun

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

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