warhead — the explosive part of a missile, torpedo, or similar weapon
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the explosive part of a missile, torpedo, or similar weapon
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwɔːrhɛd/
Example Sentences
- The spy movie villain always threatens the world with a stolen nuclear warhead.
- Scientists are developing safer methods to dispose of old warheads.
- The warhead failed to explode, making it the world's most expensive dud.
warhead
NOUN[/ˈwɔːrhɛd/]
the explosive part of a missile, torpedo, or similar weapon
Explosive part of missile
Hand on forehead, contemplating the warhead
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Warhead is a 20th-century military compound coined in the early 1900s to describe the explosive payload section of a projectile or missile. The term combines the English words 'war' and 'head', with 'head' metaphorically referring to the forward, functional component of a weapon system.
Breakdown
war (conflict) + head (front/leading part) = the explosive charge or payload at the front of a missile or torpedo.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The spy movie villain always threatens the world with a stolen nuclear warhead.”
“Scientists are developing safer methods to dispose of old warheads.”
“The warhead failed to explode, making it the world's most expensive dud.”
“Military experts examined the warhead's design for security purposes.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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