Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/əˈtɒmɪk bɒm/ (uh-TOM-ik BOM)

Definitions

• 1. A type of nuclear weapon that releases energy from the splitting (fission) or combining (fusion) of atomic nuclei, causing massive destruction. Example: The atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, leading to unprecedented devastation.
• 2. A weapon of mass destruction powered by nuclear reactions, often associated with the use of uranium or plutonium. Example: The atomic bomb remains one of the most powerful weapons ever created by mankind.
• 3. A bomb that harnesses nuclear energy to create an explosive force greater than conventional bombs. Example: The atomic bomb's detonation results in a huge explosion and widespread radioactive fallout.

Usage Examples

• The atomic bomb changed the course of history during World War II.
• The destructive power of the atomic bomb left lasting scars on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• After the atomic bomb was developed, international discussions on arms control intensified.

Etymology

The term "atomic bomb" was coined in the mid-20th century during the development of nuclear weapons. "Atomic" refers to the atoms that are split or fused to release energy, while "bomb" denotes the explosive nature of the weapon. The first atomic bombs were developed during the Manhattan Project in the United States during World War II, leading to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

Synonyms

• Nuclear bomb
• Atom bomb
• Fission bomb
• H-bomb (when referring to a hydrogen bomb)

Antonyms

• Conventional bomb
• Non-nuclear weapon
• Peaceful energy

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, the pronunciation of "atomic bomb" might emphasize different syllables. For example, in American English, the first syllable of "atomic" is stressed, whereas in some British English accents, the second syllable might get more emphasis. The pronunciation of "bomb" may also vary depending on accent, but the core term remains consistent across variations.

Historical Usage

The atomic bomb was first used in warfare during World War II in 1945, when the United States dropped bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The devastation caused by these bombings led to the end of the war and marked the beginning of the nuclear age. The term "atomic bomb" became synonymous with both the destructive power of nuclear weapons and the dawn of a new geopolitical era, one dominated by the threat of nuclear warfare.

Cultural Nuances

The atomic bomb has had a profound cultural impact. It symbolized both human scientific achievement and the potential for catastrophic destruction. Its use during World War II has been the subject of extensive debate, particularly in terms of morality and necessity. The atomic bomb has inspired numerous films, books, and documentaries, many of which explore the implications of nuclear technology and the anxiety of living in a world where the possibility of nuclear war looms large.

More Information

The development and use of the atomic bomb marked one of the most significant events in human history. The creation of the atomic bomb led to the birth of the nuclear arms race during the Cold War and remains a potent symbol of both technological progress and the dangers of scientific experimentation. Today, the legacy of the atomic bomb continues to influence discussions about nuclear disarmament, global security, and the ethical responsibilities of scientists and governments in managing powerful technologies.