Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cobalt-bomb

noun

/ˈkoʊbɔlt bɑm/

Definition

A cobalt bomb is a type of nuclear weapon that uses cobalt as a means to enhance its fallout and increase its lethality over a wide area.

Examples

The cobalt-bomb was designed to maximize radioactive fallout in a target area.
Researchers studied the potential implications of deploying a cobalt-bomb in warfare.

Meaning

The term refers to a thermonuclear weapon designed to release cobalt-60, a radioactive isotope, upon detonation, making the surrounding area highly radioactive and dangerous for a long time.