weapon-grade plutonium

Friendly

Word: Weapon-grade plutonium

Definition:
Weapon-grade plutonium refers to a specific type of plutonium, particularly plutonium-239, which is used in making nuclear weapons. This plutonium is obtained when nuclear weapons are taken apart (disassembled) and is often stored in secure containers called plutonium pits.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: This term is mostly used in discussions about nuclear weapons, military technology, and international security.
• Form: It is a noun phrase, so it is used as a subject or object in a sentence. For example, "The country has weapon-grade plutonium."

Examples:

• "The scientists are concerned about the security of the weapon-grade plutonium stored in the facility."
• "International treaties aim to limit the production and stockpiling of weapon-grade plutonium."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you might encounter this term in contexts involving nuclear policy, arms control negotiations, or scientific research related to nuclear energy.

Word Variants:

• Plutonium: The base element, which can exist in different isotopes (like plutonium-238, plutonium-239, etc.).
• Nuclear Weapons: Referring to weapons that use nuclear reactions to release energy.

Different Meanings:

• Plutonium: While weapon-grade plutonium is specifically for nuclear weapons, plutonium can also refer to isotopes used for nuclear power generation or medical applications.

Synonyms:

• Fissile Material: A broader term that includes any material capable of sustaining a fission chain reaction, which can include weapon-grade plutonium.
• Nuclear Fuel: In some contexts, this term can refer to the material used for energy production, though it is not specifically weapon-grade.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "weapon-grade plutonium" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, you might hear phrases like: - "Go nuclear" - which means to escalate a situation dramatically, often used in conflicts.

Summary:

Weapon-grade plutonium is a specific type of plutonium used in nuclear weapons. Understanding this term is important in discussions about military technology and international security.

Academic

Noun

1. plutonium 239 that is recovered when nuclear weapons are disassembled; it is stored in plutonium pits

Synonyms

• weapons plutonium