thermonuclear

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   relating to nuclear fusion reactions that occur or are initiated at extremely high temperatures

   The Sun releases energy through thermonuclear fusion in its core.

2. 2
   adj

   relating to or using fusion-based nuclear weapons, especially hydrogen bombs

   The treaty prohibited atmospheric tests of thermonuclear weapons.

Formed in 1938 from thermo- ("heat"), ultimately from Greek thermos ("hot"), + nuclear, from Latin nucleus ("kernel"). The term first described fusion reactions in stars, which require immense heat, and was extended by the early 1950s to hydrogen bombs that use a fission explosion to trigger fusion.

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