Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
megaton
noun
/ˈmɛɡəˌtʌn/
Definition
A unit of explosive power equivalent to one million tons of TNT.
Examples
- The nuclear bomb had an estimated yield of 15 megatons.
- In terms of energy, one megaton of TNT is equal to about 4.184 terajoules.
- Climate scientists estimate that the melting of ice caps could release megatons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Meaning
Megaton is commonly used to describe the energy released in nuclear explosions as well as the yield of bombs.
Synonyms
- megajoule
- explosive yield
- ton
