THERMONUCLEAR

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does thermonuclear mean? 

• THERMONUCLEAR (adjective)
  The adjective THERMONUCLEAR has 1 sense:

1. using nuclear weapons based on fusion as distinguished from fission

  Familiarity information: THERMONUCLEAR used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• THERMONUCLEAR (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Using nuclear weapons based on fusion as distinguished from fission

Similar:

atomic; nuclear ((weapons) deriving destructive energy from the release of atomic energy)

 Context examples 

Today, astronomers cite GK Persei as an example of a “classical nova,” an outburst produced by a thermonuclear explosion on the surface of a white dwarf star, the dense remnant of a Sun-like star.

("Mini Supernova" Explosion Could Have Big Impact, NASA)