thermobaric bomb
- noun
- /ˌθɜrməˈbærɪk bɑm/
- NSFW
:
bomba termobárica
- During the demonstration, the scientist explained how thermobaric bombs function by igniting a fuel-air mixture.
Examples
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The news reported significant damage caused by thermobaric bombs in the recent conflict due to their intense heat and shockwave.
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The military used thermobaric bombs in the operation to create a massive explosion and destroy the enemy's fortified positions.
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We're stopping at a dealer named Victor Menz and delivering a shipment of thermobaric bombs
Synonyms
∞
1.8
A container with explosive material that makes a large explosion and damages things
1
8.4
A bomb that spreads fuel into the air and then explodes to make a very large blast
A weapon that sprays flammable liquid into the air then sets it on fire to make a large explosion
A bomb that spreads fuel into the air and then sets it on fire to make a very large explosion
A weapon that spreads fuel into the air and then sets it on fire, causing a very large blast
How Powerful
- NSFW
634
3.5
- NSFW
- Specialized
17
4.2
51
2.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
thermobaric + bomb
The noun 'bomb' is transparent, but the modifier 'thermobaric' is a technical formation from Greek roots (thermo- = heat, -baric = pressure) rather than a common adjective a B1 learner will know. Knowing the roots would let a learner infer a relation to heat and pressure, but the specific mechanism (fuel–air mixture, intense blast/heat) and technical sense are specialized and not fully predictable, so overall the phrase is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Thermobaric bomb gets its name from the parts thermo, which means 'heat', and baric, which means 'pressure'. It spreads a cloud of fuel and then burns it, making a very hot blast and a strong pressure wave, so the name reminds us it causes both 'heat' and 'pressure'.