warheads
Bombs on missiles
Warheads are the explosive or destructive components of missiles, torpedoes, bombs, or other weapons systems—the part that actually detonates or releases its payload upon reaching the target.
Nuclear warheads contain atomic weapons, while conventional warheads use chemical explosives.
The term emphasizes that this is just one component of a larger delivery system: The missile can carry multiple warheads.
Warheads is also a brand of extremely sour candy, named for the puckering impact it delivers.
Prone to sudden detonation
- detonationExplosive ignition event
- TNTPowerful blasting compound
- shrapnelScattered explosion fragments
- fragmentationBreaking into smaller pieces
blast · incendiary · armor-piercing · high-explosive · payload · fuse · primer · casing
Nuclear breakup releasing energy
- fusionJoining into unity
- plutoniumActinide, atomic number 94
- uraniumElement ninety-two
- enrichmentImprovement through addition
radioactivity · fallout · thermonuclear · kiloton · megaton · yield · radiation · isotopes
Ocean-spanning nuclear delivery system
- cruiseLeisurely ocean voyage
- ballisticOf hurled objects
- intercontinentalSpanning multiple continents
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
trajectory · reentry · payload · propulsion · booster · range · targeting · launch
Taking apart systematically
- decommissioningWithdrawing from active service
- treatyBinding pact between nations
- nonproliferationRestricting weapons dissemination
- reductionMaking something smaller
verification · inspection · stockpile · elimination · disposal · neutralization · demilitarization · START
explosive
Prone to sudden detonation
- detonationExplosive ignition event
- TNTPowerful blasting compound
- shrapnelScattered explosion fragments
fragmentation · blast · incendiary · armor-piercing · high-explosive · payload · fuse · primer · casing · impact
fission
Nuclear breakup releasing energy
enrichment · radioactivity · fallout · thermonuclear · kiloton · megaton · yield · radiation · isotopes · half-life
ICBM
Ocean-spanning nuclear delivery system
- cruiseLeisurely ocean voyage
- ballisticOf hurled objects
- intercontinentalSpanning multiple continents
guidance · trajectory · reentry · payload · propulsion · booster · range · targeting · launch · silo
dismantling
Taking apart systematically
- decommissioningWithdrawing from active service
- treatyBinding pact between nations
- nonproliferationRestricting weapons dissemination
reduction · verification · inspection · stockpile · elimination · disposal · neutralization · demilitarization · START · safeguards
sour
Sharp, biting taste
watermelon · tongue · challenge · intense · coating · wrapper · novelty · kids · tart
- armsguns, rifles, pistols, swords, firearms
- nuclear applicationsnuclear medicine, nuclear power, nuclear reactors, radiation therapy, PET scans
- weaponsknife, gun, sword, swords, rifle
- military suppliesammunition, ammo, rifles, bombs, bandages
- Nuclearnuclear reactor, atomic bomb, nuclear energy, atomic bombs, uranium
- nuclear waratomic bomb, nuclear holocaust, nuclear arsenal, hydrogen bomb, ICBM
warheadsbooster rocket
Auxiliary engine for liftoff
rocket motor · thruster · fuel tank · guidance system · launch vehicle
warheadshumanitarian aid
Crisis relief for sufferers
relief supplies · medical supplies · food drops · rescue equipment · aid packages
warheadsdisarmament
Reducing or eliminating weapons
nuclear disarmament · demilitarization · arms reduction · peace treaties · non-proliferation
- nuclear warheadFission-based explosive device