nuke
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈnuk// UK //njˈuːk// nuke
n. a nuclear weapon. People use this word in casual conversation when talking about atomic bombs or missiles.
n. a nuclear weapon, such as a bomb or missile. Typically avoided in technical or diplomatic contexts.
The movie was about a group trying to stop a stolen nuke.
During the Cold War, the fear of a nuke being launched kept the entire world in a state of constant tension.
While the term is common in political thrillers and casual debate, military officials generally prefer more precise terminology like 'tactical warhead' or 'strategic asset' over the colloquial nuke.
Clipping of nuclear weapon. The verb is derived from the noun.
Clipping of nuc(leus).
See nucha.
See nook.
Usage
Informal noun; often used in the plural when discussing global arsenals.