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Kiloton Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kiloton

[ˈkɪləˌtɒn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

measurement unit

A kiloton is a unit of measurement equal to 1,000 metric tons. It is commonly used to quantify explosive forces or the yield of nuclear weapons. The term is often associated with the weight of large amounts of material, particularly in contexts involving military or atmospheric sciences. It is a more manageable figure when discussing significant quantities of mass that would otherwise be cumbersome to express in tons.

Synonyms

explosive yield, metric kiloton, tactical nuclear weapon.

Examples of usage

  • The bomb had a yield equivalent to 15 kilotons.
  • The earthquake released energy comparable to 10 kilotons of TNT.
  • A kiloton of waste could pose a serious environmental threat.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • One kiloton is equivalent to the energy released by 1,000 tons of TNT, a standard explosive.
  • The energy released by a kiloton explosion can be comparable to the energy from a large meteor impact.

Historical Context

  • The term was prominently used during World War II to quantify the destructive power of atomic bombs.
  • The bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 had an explosive yield of approximately 15 kilotons.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, references to 'kilotons' often highlight massive explosions or disasters.
  • Numerous video games feature fictional weapons with explosive powers measured in kilotons.

Environmental Impact

  • The potential damage from a kiloton explosion is often discussed in studies related to natural disasters and emergency preparedness.
  • Understanding kilotons helps scientists model the effects of nuclear reactions on the environment.

Origin of 'kiloton'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'kilo-', meaning a thousand, and 'ton', which is a unit of weight.
  • It was first used in the early 20th century as the need to measure large quantities, especially in warfare, increased.

The term 'kiloton' originates from the combination of the prefix 'kilo-', derived from the Greek word 'chilioi' meaning 'thousand', and 'ton', which comes from the Old French 'tonne'. The unit was first introduced in the 20th century during the rise of nuclear physics and military technology to provide a convenient way to express the explosive power of bombs and the estimated mass of large quantities of materials. The usage of kiloton has expanded from military contexts into environmental science, where it is used to discuss pollution, waste, and climate change implications. Over time, kiloton has become a standard term in scientific literature and media reports, helping to communicate complex information in a straightforward manner.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,064, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.