CEFR C1

air-burst

noun

Meaning

An explosion that occurs in the air, rather than on the ground or underwater, to maximize the blast radius or fragmentation effect.

Examples

  • The missile was designed for an air-burst detonation to clear enemy trenches.
  • An air-burst nuclear weapon is intended to spread radioactive fallout over a wider area.

Synonyms: detonation, explosion, blast